The growing number of COVID-19 cases in the region has led to more restrictions at one local hospital.
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital announced Tuesday that it is implementing tougher restrictions on visitors in an effort to control the spread of the virus.
As of noon Tuesday, general visitation at the St. Thomas campus is suspended, except for two essential caregivers per patient, with one of them visiting at any one time.
An essential caregiver is defined as someone whose presence has been deemed necessary for the safety and wellbeing of a patient. These include caregivers of children, patients in labour, patients with cognitive or physical impairments, and palliative patients.
Essential caregivers must schedule a visit in advance, undergo a COVID-19 screening, wear a hospital-issued mask and any other PPE if directed to do so by a health team member, and limit movement while in the hospital.
There are also guidelines in place when visiting the emergency department.
"Children are allowed one parent or guardian when attending the emergency department," according to the hospital's official website. "Individuals who are physically frail, have dementia, are non-verbal or disabled and require a support person are able to have one support person accompany them."
Complete information on the hospital's COVID-19 protocol is available on the website.