Erie Shores Healthcare bans visitors

Leamington’s hospital has banned visitors in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Erie Shores Healthcare said phone and video calls to patients are encouraged.

“The situation surrounding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to evolve rapidly,” the hospital said in a media release. “ESHC is now implementing further restrictions on visitation within the hospital. Please know, the health and safety of our patients, their families, and our staff remains a top priority for ESHC.”

Windsor Regional Hospital has not taken the step of banning visitors, but officials there are “constantly reviewing the situation,” said spokesman Steve Erwin.

“We continue to review based on the circumstances we’re in and our patient volumes,” he said.

The new rules at Erie Shores Healthcare took effect at 8 a.m. Thursday.

There will be exceptions for caregivers in certain situations. The hospital is allowing one visitor for patients in the maternal-newborn program, one visitor for patients in the intensive care unit and two visitors for palliative care patients.

All approved visitors must undergo screening for COVID-19 illness and risk factors. The visitors will also have to provide their contact information in case contact tracing becomes necessary.

“We take these proactive precautions to protect our patients, staff, and the communities we serve,” the hospital said. “We are sensitive to the separation this restriction causes our patients and their loved ones, but we believe this measure of protection is essential at this time to keep people safe with the spread of COVID-19 within our communities.”

The hospital is also repeating its message that it does not want otherwise healthy people with no symptoms showing up at the emergency department to check if they have COVID -19.

“Coming to the ED risks transmitting the virus to others,” the hospital said.

Erie Shores Healthcare has set up a phone number for the public to call with questions about procedure, tests, surgery cancellations and information on self-isolation, self-monitoring, visitor policy and other issues.

The number, which will be answered weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is 519-326-2373 ext. 4481.