Erie Shores HealthCare tightens visitor restrictions under Orange level status

LEAMINGTON — Nearly nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Erie Shores HealthCare remains in the forefront in the battle against the virus, but they are facing the new challenge of the Second Wave of COVID-19 hitting locally.

“ESHC has been at the forefront providing oversight and support in several areas over the past two weeks, including Long Term Care and Retirement Homes, the Agri Sector and in congregate settings,” said ESHC Director of Communications and Public Relations, Arms Bumanlag. “In addition, ESHC has been involved in many regional and provincial tables in the planning for Wave 2.”

This past weekend, the hospital experienced an increase in the number of individuals presenting to the Emergency Room and COVID Assessment Centre with symptoms of COVID-19, which in turn has resulted in admissions to hospital and capacity challenges.

As of this past Monday, with the Windsor-Essex region being moved into Orange Level status, ESHC has had to make some adjustments in visitor policies.

All surgeries and diagnostic imaging will continue as planned at this time.

As for visitors, there is a new tiered approach to the visitor policy now in place, which will be adjusted according to the colour level the region is currently under.

There will be one designated essential visitor under Orange status, who may visit during a designated time slot each day. Those times slots include 10 am to 12 noon, 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm.

For spiritual care, in the ER, visitors will be allowed for trauma or palliative care only. Inpatient visits within the chapel can be arranged, but must occur within the three visitor time slots. Staff counselling is available as requested, within the chapel.

Non-essential workers will be asked to work from home wherever possible.

As for internal practices, Plexiglas dividers will be set up in the cafeteria and any lunchrooms that remain open. All office workers will have their office doors closed with signage indicating that they are in and to please knock. There will be no in-person meetings.

Updates will be made on Erie Shores Health- Care’s multiple social media platforms.