University Health Network (UHN) has announced a new requirement for staff, patients and visitors to wear a mask when inside its facilities.

Masks must be worn in all UHN facilities, including Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as of Tuesday, Nov. 18.

All staff, patients and visitors will be expected to wear a mask in physician offices, waiting rooms for clinics, the emergency department and other outpatient clinical areas. Patients and staff must also wear a mask when delivering or receiving direct care, or when staff are closely interacting with patients in inpatient, outpatient and emergency clinical areas.

Masking remains optional in family lounges, UHN said.

Though not required, UHN is encouraging people to wear masks in public spaces like lobbies, elevators, food courts and corridors.

As was already standard, masking will continue to be mandatory in areas where many patients may be at a higher risk of illness.

UHN said the decision to enact a mask requirement is in response to respiratory virus season or other outbreak conditions. According to data from the City of Toronto, the rate of both influenza and COVID-19 has been on the rise.