As of Monday, new visitor policies and directives will be in place at Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) as Windsor-Essex moves into the "Orange - Restrict" level of the province’s colour-coded COVID-19 response framework.
The Ontario government announced tighter COVID-19 restrictions for multiple regions on Friday. The changes will come into effect effect on Monday at 12:01 a.m.
Health officials at ESHC said a rise in COVID-19 cases has been reported across the region which is concerning.
"Within the last 24 – 48 hours, we have now experienced an increase in the number of individuals presenting to our Emergency Room and COVID Assessment Centre with symptoms of COVID-19, which in turn has resulted in admissions to hospital and capacity challenges," read an ESHC news release.
Starting on Monday, the ESHC visitor policy will reflect a tiered system that aligns with the province's framework.
Under the 'Orange' tier, one essential visitor will be allowed to see inpatients each day during one of three time slots, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., or from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Only patients in trauma or palliative care will be allowed a spiritual care visitor. Inpatients will be able to visit the chapel once arrangements are made during a specified time slot.
Should Windsor-Essex move to the 'Red' tier, inpatients will only be allowed one visitor on alternating days during one time slot. If the region is put under lockdown, no visitors will be allowed, with the exception of vulnerable or pediatric patients, or women in labour. Palliative patients will be allowed up to two visitors.
"These directives and measures are not meant to be harsh, but meant to protect our patients and our team members in the months ahead," read an ESHC release. "Like the first wave, we will get through this as a team and as a community – together."
Also starting on Monday, non-essential ESHC employees will work from home when possible. Some internal safety measures will also be put in place at the healthcare facility.
Plexiglass dividers will be set up in the cafeteria and in lunchrooms, all office doors will remain closed and a sign will let others know someone is in, and no in-person meetings will be held.
