Amidst a rise in seasonal respiratory illnesses, the Center intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) has reimplemented a mandatory masking policy in all its healthcare facilities, effective today, December 17, 2025. the decision, driven by a recent surge in influenza cases, aims to protect vulnerable patients and frontline healthcare workers as the region navigates another challenging winter season. The mandate includes the Hospital of Maniwaki and the Maison des aînés et choice, impacting all staff, patients, caregivers, and visitors.
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The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) has reinstated mandatory masking in all of its healthcare facilities due to a recent increase in influenza cases. This measure aims to protect both patients and healthcare workers during a period of heightened respiratory illness transmission.
The directive applies to all individuals within the facilities, including healthcare staff, patients, caregivers, and visitors. Specifically, the Hospital of Maniwaki and the Maison des aînés et alternative are included in this requirement.
Véronique Morissette, Chief of Prevention and Infection Control for the CISSSO, clarified that the mask mandate applies to all departments within the hospital.
While COVID-19 is still circulating, Morissette explained that the current surge in influenza cases is the primary driver behind the reinstated mask policy. This highlights the continued importance of monitoring and responding to seasonal respiratory viruses.
The CISSSO is also advising individuals experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus to avoid visiting the hospital and recommending regular handwashing and social distancing practices to help limit the spread of infection.
