In keeping with the move to Phase 3 of the Ontario government's COVID-19 plan, Elliot Lake's St. Joseph's General Hospital is starting to restore its visiting hours on Monday.
In a news release, Hospital Chief Nursing Official Connie Free wrote, "As the Province of Ontario transitions to Phase 3 of re-opening, St. Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake is pleased to announce effective Monday, July 20, 2020, limited visitation for all patients in the hospital will resume. Visitation hours are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for one visitor once a day only between one of these times."
"The safety of our patients and staff remains our top priority. Increasing visitation involves requires a careful re-integration and is contingent on many factors such as the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak in the hospital and the community, access to personal protection equipment, and our ability to maintain physical distancing. These factors are closely monitored and changes to the visitor policy will occur as required."
She concluded, "As we balance increasing family presence while protecting our patients and staff from COVID-19, we kindly remind everyone of the importance of physical distancing, proper hand hygiene and the use of face coverings while in the hospital."
St. Joseph's asks visitors to enter through the main entrance where they will be screened prior to visitation. Please see the hospital website for more information. Www.sjghel.ca.