CAMH has an obligation to provide a safe environment for patients, CAMH personnel and visitors. In keeping with that obligation, CAMH implements procedures and processes to manage the potential spread of communicable diseases, protect the safety of patients, CAMH personnel, Essential Visitors (e.g., family members, individuals supporting inpatients as privately paid attendants or non-courtesy appointees, clergy, etc.), and minimize the disruption of clinical services.
Universal masking requirements
CAMH requires that everyone wear a CAMH issued procedure mask in specific areas of the hospital designated as masks-mandatory. This includes people who are:
- patients coming to CAMH for appointments, tests or treatment (outpatients);
- patients staying at CAMH overnight (inpatients);
- patients receiving care in the Emergency Department;
- family members;
- pre-approved individuals who are supporting inpatients as privately paid attendants or non-physician courtesy appointments;
- visitors;
- vendors and/or delivery persons; and
- CAMH personnel.
Exemptions may apply for patients with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask. The exemption must be requested and approved by a CAMH physician or nurse practitioner.
Why were these requirements created?
COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have any symptoms (called asymptomatic spread). This is why we are requiring everyone at CAMH to wear a CAMH-issued procedure mask in areas designated as mask-mandatory, even if they do not have any symptoms.
What if I can’t or don’t want to wear a procedure mask?
All outpatients and pre-approved Essential Visitors (e.g., family members, individuals supporting inpatients as privately paid attendants or non-courtesy appointees, clergy, etc.) must wear a CAMH issued procedure mask in areas designated as masks-mandatory while at CAMH. Inpatients must wear a CAMH issued procedure mask when leaving their room for any reason. This is to protect all patients, Essential Visitors (e.g., family members, individuals supporting inpatients as privately paid attendants or non-courtesy appointees, clergy, etc.) and CAMH personnel.
Exemption process
For outpatient clients/patients with a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a procedure mask, the following steps are to be taken.
- Contact your outpatient clinic physician or nurse practitioner to request and discuss if you quality for a mask exemption before coming in to your appointment.
- If approved, you will receive a Procedure Mask Exemption Form completed by your physician or nurse practitioner.
- Bring the completed Procedure Mask Exemption Form to your upcoming outpatient clinic appointment.
- Your health care team will scan your Completed Procedure Mask Exemption Form into your health record. HOWEVER, you will be required to bring your completed Procedure Mask Exemption Form with you for every appointment.
- They will give you a face shield to wear instead of a mask.
NOTES:
- Essential Visitors (e.g., family members, individuals supporting inpatients as privately paid attendants or non-courtesy appointees, clergy, etc.) cannot ask for a procedure mask exemption at this time.
Can I wear my own mask or face covering while at CAMH?
No. For everyone’s safety, you must wear a CAMH-issued procedure mask while on CAMH property. KN95, N95, disposable and cloth face masks come in a range of qualities and there are counterfeit products on the market. Having everyone wear a CAMH issued procedure mask is the best way to make sure everyone is protected.
- If you are wearing a reusable mask or face covering when you arrive at CAMH: Bring a plastic bag to store your reusable mask while at CAMH. Wash your reusable mask when you get home.
- Do not wear bandanas, neck gaiters or masks with exhale vents while at CAMH. They do not stop germs from spreading to others.
If you are staying at CAMH overnight, ask your health care team for another procedure mask when you need one.
How do I wear a procedure mask?
- Your procedure mask should always cover your nose, mouth and chin.
- The procedure mask ear loops or ties should be attached properly.
- The procedure mask must not have any tears, holes or vents. Ask your health care team for a new mask if your mask gets wet, dirty or torn while at CAMH.
- Avoid touching or adjusting your mask while you are wearing it.
- Clean your hands before and after putting on or taking off your mask.
I’m staying at CAMH as an inpatient or I am visiting the Emergency Department. When do I have to wear a mask?
Patients must wear a procedure mask in their units whey they leave their rooms when leaving their room for any reason, such as for medical tests or appointments. Keep the procedure mask on at all times when outside your room.
When in your room, please wear a procedure mask when:
- interacting with your health care team;
- visiting with your Essential Visitor (family members, individuals supporting inpatients as privately paid attendants or non-courtesy appointees, clergy, etc.); and
- you cannot stay 2 metres (6 feet) or more away from other clients/patients sharing your room, such as when getting to the bathroom.
Ask your health care team for a procedure mask. Please do not use a mask from home.
How do I safely remove my procedure mask after I have left CAMH property?
Remove your procedure mask carefully to reduce your risk of infection.
- Clean your hands using soap and water or hand sanitizer.
- Hold the mask by the ear loops and pull the mask away from your face. Do not touch your face or the outside of the mask.
- Put the procedure mask in the garbage.
- Clean your hands again.
I’m coming to CAMH as an outpatient or Essential Visitor (family members, individuals supporting inpatients as privately paid attendants or non-courtesy appointees, clergy, etc.). When can I safely remove my mask?
Wear your procedure mask in areas that are designated as masks-mandatory while you are at CAMH.
- If your health care team asks you to take it off during your appointment or treatment: Clean your hands with hand sanitizer. Hold the ear loops or ties and remove your mask carefully. Do not touch your face or the front of the mask.
- Wait until you leave CAMH to eat or drink. If you are not able to wait, please do not remove your mask in a clinic waiting room or inpatient room. Alert the clinic reception if you require food or fluids while you are waiting for your appointment.