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The COVID-19 situation is changing rapidly, both locally and across the Province of Ontario. This afternoon, the Province of Ontario announced that a 4 week ‘emergency brake shutdown’ is beginning this Saturday. As such, increased visitor restrictions have been put in place to protect our patients, residents, and staff.
The Renfrew County and District Health Unit has reported 87 new cases of COVID-19 in the first 29 days of March, with 28 of these cases being identified in the last 8 days. Renfrew County has also begun to see cases involving variants of concern (VOC). In total, the Health Unit has reported 13 cases involving a VOC recently. VOCs have shown to be more transmissible, and have an increased risk of hospitalization, and death. There are more Renfrew County and District patients hospitalized for COVID-19 then ever before, at either the Pembroke Regional Hospital or in Ottawa.
With the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, and all other Health Units in Ontario, moving into this shutdown, direction has been received to increase restrictions in order to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and protect our staff, patients, and residents.
As of today, the following protective measures have been implemented:
- Visits are limited to one designated visitor per patient. The listing of a designated general visitor can be changed only at the discretion of the hospital.
- For patients nearing end of life, two designated visitors per patient will be permitted. Exceptions are only at the discretion of the hospital after considering the ability to physically distance and manage additional volume.
- It is strongly recommended that designated visitors are from Renfrew County and District only, as neighbouring regions are in a more precarious situation than our region.
At this time, general visitation for Emergency Department patients or accompaniment for outpatient appointments remains restricted at the Deep River and District Hospital.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation in these challenging times. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in our community and may adjust visiting policies as necessary to keep the safety of patients, residents, and staff at the forefront. The organization will continue to make every effort to support the safety and emotional wellbeing of patients and residents, and will share further updates as direction is received from Public Health.
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