Additional steps to protect the hospital community are being taken at North Bay Regional Health Centre because of a provincial surge in COVID-19 infections.
Starting on January 17th, 2022, Designated Care Partners will have to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 along with government-issued photo I.D every time before entering the Health Centre.
“This does not apply to patients—patients may still enter the hospital regardless of vaccination status,” states a release from NBRHC. “The new vaccination guidelines do not apply in some exceptional circumstances including (but not limited to): end-of-life, Birthing Unit, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), paediatric patients or patients with a developmental disability or cognitive impairment.”
- Care partners who are not fully vaccinated, do not have a medical exemption and do not meet exception criteria will not be able to visit in-person.
- Everyone entering the building, regardless of vaccination status, will still be required to follow our COVID-19 guidelines including passing COVID-19 screening, wearing a mask at all times, physical distancing and visiting during designated hours only.
- Care Partner visits are allowed between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
- Inpatients are permitted two dedicated Care Partners (and one alternate when required).
- Inpatients may have two Care Partners at the bedside at one time where physical distancing is possible.
- Care Partners have the option of entering and exiting throughout the day.
The hospital says in-person visits are not allowed for COVID-19 suspected or positive patients, however, the unit will help accommodate virtual visits.
Restrictive entry is also still in place in outpatient areas like the Emergency Department and Outpatient Clinics.
**With files from Wendy Gray
