Reintroducing a Mask Friendly Approach at Yee Hong

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your support, patience, and cooperation during the recent respiratory season, particularly in adhering to our masking mandate. We are pleased to share that there has been a decrease in respiratory cases and outbreaks across Ontario. After conducting a comprehensive review of our Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) protocols, Yee Hong will discontinue the masking requirement within resident home areas and adopt a mask-friendly policy.

Effective May 21, 2026, masks are no longer required in resident home areas unless instructed by Management. Masks will still be required in outbreak units. Individuals who prefer to continue wearing a mask may do so, and masks will remain accessible throughout all facilities.

The health and safety of our seniors and staff continues to be Yee Hong’s top priority. Staff, students, volunteers, caregivers, support workers, general visitors, and residents all have the responsibility to keep our homes and residents safe. 

When you are visiting with a resident, you may need to determine when you might need to put on personal protective equipment. This is called a Point of Care Risk Assessment. To help you make this assessment, here is a link to a video for you to review: IPAC Basics – What is a Point of Care Risk Assessment? – YouTube 

As a friendly reminder, please follow our IPAC measures when you are visiting our residents: 

  • If you had close contact with an individual with an acute respiratory infection, please wear a mask during your visit for 10 days after initial contact. If possible, avoid non-essential visits during those 10 days.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
  • Stay up to date with your vaccinations.
  • Comply with masking and other IPAC measures as instructed by the home during outbreaks.

When taking a resident out on a leave of absence:

  • Do NOT bring a resident home if someone in the household is sick.
  • Remind and assist the resident with cleaning/washing their hands.

We will continue with our IPAC measures in all our homes, monitor the infection trends in our community, and continuously evaluate the need for masking and other preventative measures at Yee Hong. As such, we may make changes at any point in time. 

Thank you for your continued support!