Hospital loosens visitor restrictions

LEAMINGTON – Due to the continued reduction in COVID-19 cases in the community, Erie Shores HealthCare (ESHC) has further loosened restrictions that were in place on visitors to the hospital.

Effective July 8, ESHC is now allowing two essential visitors per day per inpatient between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The visitors are allowed to visit at the same time.

Essential visitors are still restricted if they are under 18 years of age, are symptomatic, have been outside of Ontario in the last 14 days, have tested positive for COVID-19 or have had close contact with a confirmed case or probable case of COVID-19.

Additionally, visiting is restricted if you’ve had close contact with a person with an acute respiratory illness who has been outside of Canada in the 14 days before their symptom onset.

The hospital is giving special visiting time considerations for one designated person who is visiting a woman in labour, accompanying a COVID negative emergency department patient, a parent/guardian of an ill newborn, youth or child, or a support person for a patient with dementia/ cognitive impairment with management approval.

Visiting restrictions remain in place for COVID-19 positive/suspected patients or patients in the ICU. Family members who have a patient in the hospital’s care can expect to be contacted by a Patient-Family Liaison to book a time to speak to their loved ones through technology such as iPads.

While the restrictions noted above apply to most patients, there are some instances where the restrictions apply differently. More details can be found on the COVID-19 visitor page https://www.erieshoreshealthcare.ca/visitorhours.

All outpatients and visitors continue to be required to wear medical-grade masks (no cloth masks) upon entry to the hospital, and are reminded to wash their hands before entering and after leaving a patient room.