St Joseph’s Health Care London and the London Health Sciences Center are implementing changes to visitor policies in response to the presence of the Omicron variant in the community and a surge in COVID-19 cases.
On Wednesday, the Middlesex-London Health Unit reported 228 cases, its highest daily case count since the pandemic began.
This afternoon St Joseph’s Health Care London announced changes to its visitor policy.
The first change came into effect on December 15th. It requires that general visitors ages five and older who wish to visit residents and veterans indoors at the Mount Hope Center for Long Term Care or as part of the Parkwood Institute’s Veterans Care Program can provide proof of vaccination. Essential caregivers must provide proof of having received a first dose by December 20th and a second dose by February 21st.
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A second round of changes will be enforced from December 30, requiring all essential caregivers and visitors to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and government-issued photo ID before entering any of the hospital’s facilities.
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Officials say anyone with a valid TU must provide acceptable proof and follow additional safety precautions while on St. Joseph’s sites.
Essential caregivers and visitors deemed necessary for the delivery of care, quality of life or safety concerns, or compassionate circumstances may enter but must follow all infection control protocols.
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On Tuesday, the London Health Sciences Center announced minor changes to its guidelines, capping the number of visitors for each patient. These changes went into effect on Wednesday.
LHSC said social visits are not allowed at this time. Patients will be asked to identify their “care partners” prior to appointments or upon admission, and all care partners will be asked to provide proof of vaccination. Some exceptions are made in certain circumstances for essential care partners, e.g. B. if the patient is going through a mental crisis or is about to give birth.
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Care partners classified as ‘non-required’ are asked to limit visits to 2pm to 10pm and must provide proof of vaccination.
Full details, including a flow chart to identify which care partners are considered essential, can be found on the LHSC website.
Both St. Joseph’s and LHSC emphasize that the guidelines do not apply to patients and that patients are encouraged to go to the hospital if necessary.
– with files from Jess Brady of Global News
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