Effective Tuesday, June 21, 2022, visitors to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) will be able to ‘self-screen’ for symptoms of COVID-19. It is part of a change from Active screening, where visitors are posed a series of questions about their own health or possible exposure to COVID-19 prior to entering, to Passive screening, where visitors are asked to make that determination for themselves. Visitors who fail self-screening are encouraged to refrain from entering the hospital.
Additionally, visitors will no longer need to register in advance, however limits will remain in place regarding the number of visitors per patient at any one time. Due to physical space constraints on most inpatient care units, patients are permitted one visitor at a time during regular visiting hours from 10 am – 8 pm. Some exceptions apply in areas such as the Inpatient Paediatric unit and Obstetrics where more than one visitor is permitted.
Visitors will still be required to wear a hospital-provided face mask at all times while inside the hospital, apply hand sanitizer frequently throughout their visit, and abide by physical distancing and other COVID-19 precautions.
“Visitors play an important role in the healing process and we’re encouraged that we are now able to ease some restrictions at this time,” said Carmine Stumpo, OSMH President and CEO.
“We’re only able to do this now because of the community’s cooperation and adherence to COVID-19 precautions over the past several months. COVID is still with us, however, and we urge everyone to be vigilant as we continue to monitor the situation for changes.”
The hospital strongly encourages all visitors be vaccinated against COVID-19 but as part of the move to Passive screening, will no longer require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry.