Local hospitals implement no visitor policy again

Windsor Regional Hospital has reinstituted a no-visitor policy at both campuses as of Saturday.

“This difficult decision was made as a precaution to keep patients, families and our health-care teams safe as transmission rates rise and our hospital accepts transfers of COVID-19 patients from the Greater Toronto Area where cases are soaring,” a media release stated. “High patient volumes and reduced critical care bed capacity throughout Ontario is challenging the entire health-care system and we must do what we can to limit the opportunity for further spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

The statement said the decision was made in part because of the Ontario government's latest round of restrictions announced Friday, as well as rising rates of transmission and an increase in hospitalizations.

“Transmission rates are climbing, which we know is a precursor to higher hospitalizations. The positivity rates for tests conducted at our COVID-19 Assessment Centres, and the number of positive results, are increasing at a concerning rate,” the statement said.

There are limited exceptions to the no-visitor policy for palliative/ dying patients. Further information is available at www.wrh.on.ca/ Covid19-visitation.

“We recognize the impact of isolation for patients and families during this difficult time and we are doing everything we can to help patients and loved ones stay connected. The hospital supports the use of technology to connect with your loved ones through virtual options, like Facetime, or telephone calls.

“We appreciate your understanding while we work to keep protecting our community and keep our hospital system functioning.”