Infection Prevention and Control at CHEO

Protect others by masking when you're feeling sick, or when viruses are circulating in our community. Masks are available for all patients, parents, caregivers and visitors at CHEO. Anyone is welcome to wear a mask when coming to CHEO. We encourage patients, families and visitors to wear a mask if they are feeling unwell but must be at CHEO. We welcome families to ask their care team to mask during your visit or stay.

Tips for masking:

• Cover your nose and mouth fully
• Avoid touching the front of your mask
• Clean your hands before and after removing it

Hospitals care for children who may be more vulnerable to infections. Even mild symptoms can spread germs.

Please do not visit if you have:

• Fever
• Cough, sore throat, or runny nose
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• A recent contagious illness (ask staff if unsure)
• If you are unsure whether it’s safe to visit, please check with your care team before coming in and use the self-screening tool.

Hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (e.g., Purell) is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections.

Clean your hands:

• When you enter and leave the hospital
• Before and after touching your child
• After using the bathroom
• Before eating or preparing food
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose

Use:

• Alcohol-based hand rub (preferred when hands are not visibly dirty)
• Soap and water (when hands are visibly dirty or after handling vomit or stools)

Singing is a fun way to remember the steps to handwashing. See our video below, available in more than 30 languages.

Handwashing song

A tidy room helps us clean and keep everyone safe. You can help by:

• Keeping surfaces clear (bedside tables, counters)
• Storing personal items in designated areas
• Avoiding placing items on the floor
• Letting staff know if something needs cleaning

Follow additional precautions if necessary

Some patients need additional precautions (including isolation) to protect others. If your child is on additional precautions, you may notice signs outside the room, staff wearing protective equipment, or instructions for visitors.
What you should do:

• Follow the instructions on the door sign
• Clean your hands when entering and leaving
• Ask staff if you're unsure what to do

Check out more information on Isolation at CHEO.

How we keep patients safely together (Cohorting)

Grouping patients who require the same precautions can help reduce the spread of germs and support safe, efficient care during busy times. Sometimes, patients with the same infection may be cared for in the same area or room. This is called cohorting.