Health unit to modify mask requirements

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) will ease masking guidelines at its facilities next week.

Starting Monday, the health unit will no longer require COVID-19 screening or mask use at its facilities in Windsor and Leamington. However, visitors will still be asked to consider masking up on the premises.

“While it will be optional to wear a mask in WECHU offices, it remains strongly encouraged that visitors wear a mask when accessing direct client care services,” read the notice from the health unit. “WECHU staff will be required to wear a medical-grade mask in these same settings.”

The change is being made due to the latest guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health, plus the continuing decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in Windsor-Essex.

During the pandemic, visitors to the health unit were screened upon entry for COVID-19 symptoms, but will no longer be as of Monday.

The health unit continues to encourage people to self-monitor for symptoms and stay home if they don’t feel well. If you’re not sure how to proceed, visit the self-assessment tool on the Ontario government’s official website.