Starting Thursday, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) will begin easing some visitor restrictions for its patients and families.
Officials said the decision is based on a number of indicators that are trending in a positive direction. They include decreasing number of community cases; capacity across the hospital to accommodate medical need; no PPE concerns; and improved staffing levels.
Effective Feb. 10, CKHA’s Visitor and Care Partner Access During COVID-19 Policy will move to Phase 3 “Green.” In this phase, most inpatients are permitted two consistent essential care partners, with one present at a time.
Highlights of Phase 3 “Green” of CKHA’s Visitor and Care Partner Access During COVID-19 Policy also include an inpatient who is at imminent risk of dying may identify family members/people of importance, with two present at any time; and in the emergency department, a patient may be permitted one care partner once a bed has been assigned. This excludes patients in the Rapid Assessment Zone.
As is the current practice, visitors and care partners entering the Chatham or Wallaceburg sites are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and/or a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken within three days of the visit, with limited exceptions.
Care partners must pass screening and wear a medical-grade mask at all times during their visit.
For full details of CKHA’s Visitors and Care Partner Access During COVID-19 Policy, please consult the hospital’s website or contact CKHA’s Patient Family Communications Liaisons for specific information when visiting a patient at 519-352-6400, ext. 6917.
