COVID-19 Information

As per new direction from the provincial government, COVID-19 Assessment Centres will only be providing COVID-19 testing for those who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and those who live and work in high risk settings, identified as hospitals, Long-Term Care, retirement homes and congregate living settings COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance Update.  Anyone who presents to the Assessment Centre outside of the eligible testing criteria will not be tested for COVID-19.

If you are a general member of the public, and develop COVID-19 symptoms, determine if you require a COVID-19 test by completing the Self-Assessment. 

As of January 13, 2022, Ontarians are being asked to visit a COVID-19 Assessment Centre ONLY if they are:

Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups: 

• Patient-facing healthcare workers
• Staff, volunteers, residents/inpatients, essential care providers, and visitors in hospitals and congregate living settings, including long-term care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices and correctional institutions
• Household members of workers in highest risk settings
• Temporary Foreign Workers in congregate living settings
• Patients seeking emergency medical care, at the discretion of the treating clinician

• Outpatients for whom COVID-19 treatment is being considered, including: 
• Immunocompromised individuals not expected to mount an adequate immune response to COVID-19 vaccination or infection
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated at highest risk of severe disease (anyone aged 70 years or older or 60 years and older who is Indigenous and/or has additional risk factors) 
• Pregnant people
• People who are underhoused or homeless
• First responders, including fire, police and paramedics.

• Symptomatic/asymptomatic people:
• From First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work 
• On admission/transfer to or from hospital or congregate living setting
• Close contacts and people in the context of confirmed or suspected outbreaks in highest risk settings as directed by the local public health unit 
• Individuals, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, OHIP 
• Asymptomatic testing in hospital, long-term care, retirement homes and other congregate living settings and institutions as per provincial guidance and/or Directives, or as directed by public health units.
• Prior to Scheduled Surgery

Non-essential (social) visiting will allow for 2 designated visitors per patient stay with 2 patient visits per day, maintaining only one visitor at the bedside at a time for Acute Care patients. Visiting hours are between the hours of 2-7pm. The length of the visit will be based on the patient’s needs.

At this time, existing visitor restrictions will remain in place for the Emergency Department, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory and Surgical Services. Patients must come alone unless the patient is a child or requires a support person. If an exception is made, only one (1) support person per patient will be permitted.

In addition, non-essential visitors are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (at least 2 doses) to enter the hospital, unless they have an approved medical exemption.

This policy does not apply to patients. Anyone who needs medical care, or has an appointment, should not delay, regardless of vaccination status.

Acceptable proof of vaccination is the Ontario Ministry of Health vaccination receipt (digital or a paper copy) or the Ontario Enhanced Vaccine Certificate. One piece of government issued photo identification must also be provided. Full vaccination is achieved 14 days after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

If a patient is eligible for Essential Caregiver visits for compassionate reasons, these visitors will not be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination but must follow all of the Infection Control processes as outlined above. Some of these exceptional circumstances include;
• Patient is a child
• Patient is at end of life
• Patient is in labour
• Patient has accessibility needs

Individualized care plans will continue to be developed for palliative care patients and all other exceptional circumstances will be managed on a case-by-case basis.

The front entrance continues to be closed. All patient must enter through the Emergency Department entrance.

All visitors will need to complete and pass the required screening process, wash their hands with alcohol based hand sanitizer and wear a mask upon entry to ensure a safe hospital experience.

Masks must be worn at all times while in the hospital including the patient’s bedside and food and drink are not permitted for visitors.

With information changing frequently with COVID-19, the best advice is to stay informed. Visit the below links for a reliable source of information.

To take a self-assessment, find a testing location, check test results and screen before you go

Grey Bruce Public Health Unit (Book a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment)

COVID-19: Outbreak Update

Public Health Ontario