With COVID-19 cases in the Algoma region having risen in recent days, Sault Area Hospital has implemented visitor restrictions that will take effect on Friday.
In a release issued Wednesday afternoon, SAH advises that the restrictions will "only allow labouring mothers, pediatric patients, patients undergoing urgent surgery, long-stay patients with identified support, or patients who are at end-of-life to have one consistent visitor throughout their stay."
Visitors will be screened for symptoms, recent exposures, and are required to check in at the front entrance as well as the nurses station.
SAH also advises that visitors will not be allowed to visit suspected or confirmed COVID cases, except in special circumstances.
Expectations in place for designated visitors include::
- Visitors who have travelled outside of Algoma, are visitors from outside the region or those who have had close contact with someone from outside of Algoma will not be permitted to visit for 14 days
- Exceptions will be made only for compassionate reasons
- Visitors with illness symptoms will not be permitted to visit
- Visitors must enter through the main lobby for their scheduled visit
- Visitors must check in with the door screeners. In addition, all visitors must sign-in at the nursing station on the unit, in the event that contact tracing is required
- Visitors must follow instructions given by staff; failure to follow instructions may result in a visitor being asked to leave the hospital
- Visitors are reminded to maintain two metres or six feet of physical distance with the patient and others at all times
- Visitors and patients are not permitted to wander on the unit or leave the unit; including accessing common areas of the hospital
- Visitors must wear masks at all times while in hospital and must wash their hands when entering and leaving a patient's room. Those who are exempt from wearing a mask will no longer be permitted for in-person visits
- SAH will accommodate virtual visits in these circumstances. These visitors are asked to contact the appropriate nursing unit to arrange these virtual visits
