Public officials in Chatham-Kent are responding to the growing concern surrounding COVID-19.
In an effort to protect the public, patients, and staff, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) has implemented some visitor restrictions.
The CKHA has asked its patients to choose only two visitors who can see them throughout their stay. Only one visitor will be allowed at a time with an exception for pediatric patients, Level 2 Nursery patients, and palliative care patients who may have up to two visitors at one time.
No visitors under the age of 18 are permitted. The CKHA has also altered visiting hours to 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, but 24-hour visitation is still available for patients in palliative care, critical care, pediatrics, Level 2 Nursery, and the Emergency Department. The CKHA is requesting that people who have recently traveled outside of Canada or who feel ill refrain from visiting to help keep the risk of spreading illness low.
"These proactive measures are being implemented to limit the potential transmission of the COVID-19 virus within our hospital and broader community. They are taking effect to protect our patients, families, visitors, staff, physicians and volunteers," said Lori Marshall President and CEO of the CKHA. "We thank the community for respecting these restrictions."
The hospital has also said that volunteers and students will not be in the hospital for the foreseeable future. Additionally, CKHAs Release of Information (ROI) office will not be open for in-person services until further notice.
Dr. David Colby, Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health has ordered programs and organized activities that have close interaction between children and youth to be cancelled.
"Closing all schools and child-care, but allowing for the youth to congregate in other capacities or in other venues, defeats the purpose of the closures all together," said Colby.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said they are actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation and have considered how the illness could affect the community.
In response, CK police have modified some non-emergency services to help minimize the possibility of human to human transmission of the virus. Police Chief Gary Conn has also asked the community to avoid attending police facilities unless absolutely necessary.
A release from the Chatham-Kent police service said if you do need to you need to attend police headquarters, "you may be subject to brief non-intrusive screening questions related to the COVID-19 health risks." You may also see You may see local police officers wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks -- police officials said that is to protect the officers.
Conn added the police service will not be accepting in-person record checks or in-person Freedom of Information requests.
In a written statement, Conn thanked the Chatham-Kent Police Service for their help with the situation, as well as the public for their patience and understanding.
Up-to-date information regarding the virus can be found on the CK public health website. As of Friday evening, CK public health said there were no positive cases of COVID-19 reported in Chatham-Kent.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has an intake line for those who are unsure whether they have contracted COVID-19, or for questions regarding the virus. They can be reached at 519.355.1071 extension: 1900, or through email at covid19@chatham-kent.ca.