Some visitor restrictions are being lifted at the hospitals in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) made the announcement on Wednesday, saying indicators are moving in the right direction with community cases of COVID-19 decreasing and more space at the hospitals to care for patients. CKHA also cited improved staffing levels and no concerns with availability of personal protective equipment.
The easing of visitor restrictions begins on Thursday. CKHA said most inpatients will be allowed two essential care partners with only one present at a time. Hospital officials also said an inpatient who is at imminent risk of dying may identify family members or people of importance, with two of them present at any one time. Emergency Department patients may be permitted one care partner once a bed has been assigned, but this excludes patients in the Rapid Assessment Zone.
CKHA reminds visitors and care partners that they must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or rapid antigen test taken within three days of the visit, with limited exceptions, before they're allowed entry at either hospital.
Care partners must also pass screening and wear a medical grade mask at all times during their visit.
More visitor information can be found here. Visitors and care partners can also call 519-352-6400, extension 6917 for specific information when visiting a patient.
CKHA is reporting 14 COVID-19 patients in the hospital with 10 of them being treated primarily for the virus. Three of the COVID-19 patients are in the ICU.
