As pandemic-related provincial restrictions are eased across Ontario, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is moving to expand limited visitation for inpatients and removing the requirement for proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
Effective Monday, March 7, admitted inpatients may receive two (2) visitors each day who are over the age of 18 during visiting hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., while continuing to adhere to strict visiting requirements. Visiting may commence after the inpatient has received a negative COVID-19 swab result, if it has been required on admission.
Visitation must follow MAHC’s requirements to reduce risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All visitors must:
- Pass COVID-19 screening at the hospital entrance
- Provide a phone number for contact tracing, should it be necessary
- Go directly to the inpatient’s room and refrain from travelling around other parts of the hospital
- Wear their hospital-issued ‘visitor’ sticker, and well as a hospital-issued mask for the entire visit except to eat or drink
- Wear additional protective equipment, if necessary
- Ensure the patient wears a mask while their visitors are present
- Practice hospital hand hygiene protocols, and maintain two metres (six feet) distancing from others at all times;
- Maintain minimal occurrences of exit and re-entry to the hospital during a single day visit
All visiting guidelines are available on the MAHC website and include exceptions for critically ill and/or palliative patients.
“Please keep in mind the hospitals’ responsibility to protect vulnerable patients entrusted to our care and keeping staff, physicians, volunteers and visitors safe,” says Interim President & CEO Vickie Kaminski. “Should the status of the pandemic become concerning in the future, visitor guidelines at MAHC may change. Because open visitation has not resumed, we regret that visitors are currently not permitted for outpatients except for special circumstances where a support person is necessary.”
