BRANTFORD, ON - With evidence of declining pediatric respiratory illness/hospitalizations since peaking in December 2022, management at Lansdowne Children’s Centre has decided to discontinue mandatory masking for staff, clients, families and other visitors at most service and community sites.
Executive Director Rita-Marie Hadley keeps a watchful eye on healthcare in the region, and continues to monitor and enforce recommended safety protocols in harmony with other providers of healthcare services under the direction of local health units.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the understanding and continued vigilance of all our community to keep each other and our kids healthy and safe.”
The mandatory masking mandate will be lifted immediately, effective Friday, February 24, at service sites in Brantford, Caledonia, Dunnville and Simcoe. While it is no longer mandatory for staff and visitors to wear a mask when in a Lansdowne building, all Lansdowne Children’s Centre sites and programs remain mask-friendly.
“Our staff and clients are encouraged to wear a mask at their own discretion and comfort. We are posting signs to let clients and families know that they can request that their service provider wear a mask during service delivery, and we will continue to provide complimentary masks to all visitors who ask for one.”
There is one service excluded from the reduced safety protocols. The Kids County Inn respite service will continue to mandate masking for all staff and visitors. “Masking remains an important part of our safety protocols, given the congregate care mandates and guidelines inherent in its Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) Children’s Residential license, and the high-risk for complications inherent in many of the children and youth clients who access this service."