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With the pandemic situation changing rapidly due to the spread of the Omicron variant, the Deep River and District Hospital and the Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care are proactively enhancing visitor restrictions to protect patients, residents and staff. Following the province announcement of additional measures to slow the spread of the Omicron variant last week, and in alignment with direction received from the provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Ministry of Long-Term Care as well as regional healthcare partners, the following measures are now in effect on the health campus for visiting: 1. Long-Term Care residents may have no more than two (2) general visitors or Essential Caregiver/partners at a time. Essential caregiver/partners must show proof of at least a first dose of vaccination by December 20, 2021 and full vaccination by February 21, 2022. - General visitors must provide proof of fully vaccination (two doses) - Rapid antigen test must be completed prior to entering the home. A rapid antigen test must be completed at least every other day. 2. In-patients may have no more than two (2) persons visiting at a time. - Each in-patient may designate two (2) designated essential caregiver/partners and two (2) designated visitors identified. - All essential caregivers/partners and designated visitors must be fully vaccinated. 3. General visiting for inpatients, other than designated individuals, is temporarily on hold. For individuals not deemed an essential visitor, caregiver or care partner, virtual visits and alternative ways to connect with loved ones in the hospital or long-term care home during the holidays are available. Inquiries regarding visiting or ways to connect with patients or residents in a safe way this holiday season can be made by calling the organization directly. For patients receiving end-of-life care, visitors will be determined on a case-by-case basis. At this time, general visitation for Emergency Department patients or accompaniment for outpatient appointments remains restricted at the Deep River and District Hospital. All designated essential caregivers/partners and visitors to the organization will be required to follow strict safety guidelines to ensure their safety, and that of others during their time at the health campus. All individuals arriving onsite will continue to enter through the main entrance and complete screening for COVID-19 prior to entry. Proof of vaccination or valid medication exemption must be provided. Visitors who demonstrate a possible risk of transmission of COVID-19 by ‘failing’ the screening process, will not be permitted to enter. While these enhanced safety measures are to minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of staff, patients, residents and our community during this time of heightened risk of transmission, the organization recognizes they are challenging during this holiday season. Thank you to our community, patients and family partners for their support and understanding during these uncertain times.
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