As of Monday morning, people arriving at three Elliot Lake St. Joseph's General Hospital facilities will be required to produce identification and proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for admission.
The increased screening does not apply to patients, but it does apply at the hospital, St. Joseph's Manor long-term care facility and the Oaks Centre.
Hospital CEO Jeremy Stevenson issued a statement Saturday afternoon on the decision.
"As we continue to see a rise in the number of individuals that are infected with COVID-19, SJGHEL must employ strategies to reduce the risk of transmission," Stevenson said.
"One of the options available is to lock the facility down and permit no visitation. This extreme measure, particularity during the holiday season, presents many challenges that negatively impact patient care," Stevenson added. "As an alternative, we are moving to a model of designated Essential Care Partners (ECP)."
Screeners and administration will be checking for proof of vaccination and will request a piece of government-issued identification for verification.
Stevenson called it a necessary step "in the wake of the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and additional risk posed by the Omicron variant."
"There are some exceptions to this directive and guidelines have been provided to our front-line staff on the process for any exceptions," Stevenson added.
Patients will not be required to provide proof of vaccination.
Please note: Patients do not have to provide evidence of vaccination.