Virus forces tighter rules on visitation at hospital

Windsor Regional Hospital has announced new restrictions that start at 12:01 a.m. Saturday on hospital access due to potential transmission of COVID-19.

There will be only one visitor allowed per patient, with the exception of two visitors for pediatric, critical care and palliative patients.

No visitors under the age of 18 years old will be permitted. There may be exceptions granted on “compassionate grounds” at the request of the patient and in coordination with the infection-control team.

Visiting hours remain unchanged from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily with 24-hour visitation still permitted for palliative care, critical care, pediatrics, neonatal and the emergency department.

The hospital is requesting families or friends designate one or two individuals to be visitors for each patient.

The hospital is also requesting individuals not visit the hospital if they have been outside Canada over the past 14 days or in contact with someone who has been ill or if you are ill yourself.

“These measures are being implemented as part of our best efforts to limit the potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus from person-to-person,” said David Musyj, CEO for Windsor Regional.

“They are taking effect to protect you and your loved ones, whether they are our patients, our visitors, or our staff. As we have communicated previously, if you are ill with a respiratory infection, do not come to the hospital where you may risk transmitting this virus to another individual.”

Anyone who is unsure whether they have contracted the COVID-19 virus is asked to call their primary care provider, a medical clinic or the Windsor-essex Public Health Unit at 519-2582146, ext. 1420. You can also call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 (24 hours, seven days a week).

For regular updates on coronavirus, please visit online at ontario. ca/coronavirus or wrh.on.ca.

Windsor Regional Hospital will continue to update the public regarding any changes to policies and procedures until the pandemic declaration has been lifted by the provincial government.

Erie Shores Healthcare in Leamington has announced a similar policy. The hospital will allow only one visitor per patient and two visitors for patients in palliative care. No visitors under the age of 18 will be permitted

The hospital will also make an exception on compassionate grounds in co-ordination with the infection control team.