Hospital visiting restrictions ongoing

REGIONAL — The four Windsor-Essex area hospitals have announced that, although they are looking forward to restrictions being lifted this week in other settings, they need to recognize that health care settings remain vulnerable to transmission of COVID-19 cases including outbreaks which have continued to occur in the hospital settings.

The four hospitals include Erie Shores HealthCare, Hotel Dieu Grace Health Care and Windsor Regional — both the Ouellette and Met campuses.

“After two years of working in some of the most intense and challenging conditions of their careers in health care, we all look forward to opportunities to enjoy our off time to the fullest extent, get back to doing the things we love and reconnecting with loved ones,” said a statement released on Monday.

“Unlike restaurants, gyms, retailers and other settings, given the population we serve, hospitals have a greater responsibility to monitor, assess and mitigate all risks to patients and staff. As such, hospitals will continue with current visitor policies beyond March 1st,” said the statement. “Existing personal protective equipment (PPE) policies remain in effect. Please refer to our respective hospital websites for requirements at specific facilities.”