The COVID-19 impact continues to roll out locally with an announcement from St. Joseph's General Hospital in Elliot Lake that this year's planned CT Scanner installation will be delayed.
Hospital CEO Pierre Ozolins wrote, "Unfortunately, COVID-19 did impact the CT Scanner project as both Ministry and Hospital resources were focused on addressing the pandemic. This was as it should be. Further, there was a moratorium placed on our ability to allow contractors / visitors to enter into our building so as to help stop the spread of the virus to staff, physicians and patients."
"This has likely set us back three months, but we still have a view to hopefully have it installed by late fall. Should we have a resurgence of the Covid-19 virus in this wave 1, or have as predicted a wave 2 in late summer, this could impact timelines.
Mr. Ozolins continued, "The people of Elliot Lake and surrounding North Shore area should be commended for the excellent job they have done in following the directions of public health and local municipal leadership by;
- Maintaining physical / social distancing (2m/ 6 ft distance from others)
- isolating at home after travel
- washing their hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- avoiding the touching of eyes, nose or mouth with hands
- avoiding contact with people who are sick
- staying at home when they were sick
- not visiting long-term care facilities, retirement homes, hospital or other congregate living places
- wearing a mask when in public.
Ozolins concluded, "As we move forward it is recognized that there is a significant pent up demand to return to ‘normal’ or, life before Covid. Sadly, the new normal requires that we continue many of the practices noted above. Remember that when you see someone wearing a mask in public, they are helping to keep you safe."