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COVID-19 Updates

Visitor Access

Visitors, families and caregivers are an important part of a patient’s care and healing. Please see our Visitor Information page for the latest guidelines and processes in place at North York General sites.

Precautions for entering the hospital

When entering NYGH and its community sites, everyone must take the following steps:

  • Step 1: Confirm you have self-screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Do not enter if feeling unwell, showing symptoms (PDF), are COVID-19 positive, awaiting results of a COVID-19 test, in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, or in quarantine.  
  • Step 2: Clean your hands with hand sanitizer available from a provided dispenser.
  • Step 3: Take a mask from the dispenser if visiting a patient-care area such as an inpatient unit, outpatient clinic, the Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, all waiting rooms, registration areas, and any clinical service department such as the outpatient laboratory. Please wear your mask at all times and ensure it covers your mouth, nose and chin. Personal cloth masks/ face coverings are not permitted on site.  

Masks Required for Patient Areas

  • Everyone must continue to wear masks provided by NYGH in all patient-care areas at our sites. This includes the inpatient unit, outpatient clinic, the Emergency Department, Medical Imaging, all waiting rooms, registration areas, and any clinical service department such as the outpatient laboratory. Thank you for protecting our patients by wearing a mask.
  • Masks are highly recommended but optional in meeting rooms, the cafeteria, Tim Horton’s, Starbucks, administrative offices, staff break rooms and lounges.

COVID-19 Vaccination

  • As the result of vaccination and the safety measures such as masking in high-risk areas, fewer people are getting seriously ill from COVID-19.  However, the virus is still circulating in the community and can be harmful especially to seniors and other at-risk groups.
  • Vaccination is our best protection from infection and illness. As proof of vaccination requirements are eased in Ontario, NYGH will no longer require visitors, families and Essential Care Partners (support people) to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to enter NYGH sites. 
  • If you haven’t done so yet please get your vaccinations and booster shots as soon as you can. Book an appointment near you (Ontario.ca website).

Need assistance with vaccinations?

Updating vaccine record information: Please call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600. Not from Toronto? Look up your Public Health Unit (external website).

To obtain receipts or book an appointment: Please call the Provincial Booking Line from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week at 1-833-943-3900. Or visit the Ontario.ca COVID-19 vaccines page.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments can also be booked for people 12 years of age and older at the NYGH Outpatient Pharmacy (4001 Leslie St.) as new appointments become available. Book your appointment with PharmaConnect (external website).

Seniors: Seniors in the North York area who require assistance getting their vaccination appointment can contact the Seniors’ Hotline for North York at 416-447-5200.

NOTE: Toronto Public Health fixed-site vaccine clinics permanently closing after December 13.

Preventing the spread of respiratory viruses

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

COVID-19 Testing

For information about how to access testing for COVID-19 visit COVID‑19 testing and treatment (Ontario.ca website).

Seniors’ Health Centre Visitor Guidelines

  • As of March 2024, general visitors and essential caregivers are not required to wear a mask during general visits. 
  • Masking for Seniors’ Health Centre (SHC) staff, volunteers, students, and support workers is optional and self-determined, based on a point-of-care risk assessment (PCRA).
  • Masking for caregivers and visitors is optional, though recommended, in all areas of the home.
  • Masking and other personal protective equipment requirements will continue in situations where a long-term-care home is declared in outbreak or when a resident is under additional precautions.
  • All infection prevention and control measures are subject to change based on outbreak status in the home.​​

Our updated guidelines have been implemented, in consultation with our Medical Director and Toronto Public Health, to ensure we continue to follow safety practices in our long-term care setting, and to safely reunite residents and loved ones.