The Horizon Health Network is making changes to its masking policies.

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 3, masks will be required in all patient-facing/clinical areas, including hospitals, community health centres, clinics, addiction and mental health facilities.

This is in response to rising rates of respiratory infection, including COVID-19, whooping cough and mycoplasma, said the health authority.

Horizon said it expects infection rates to rise even further once school resumes.

Masks are not required in non-clinical areas, such as lobbies, hallways and cafeterias.