Masks are now required in clinical areas like waiting rooms, nursing stations and patient rooms at Guelph General Hospital.

The hospital made the announcement Thursday.

“Following guidance from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to return to more restricted infection prevention measures at Guelph General Hospital,” the hospital said in a release. “With COVID-19 cases on the rise in our community and hospital, we need to take added precaution to ensure you feel safe in our care.“

Masks are not required in non-clinical areas including hallways, meeting rooms, breakrooms, the Bistro, and shared offices.