Erie Shores Healthcare (ESHC) in Leamington is reverting to a Phase 1 visitor policy, less than a week after taking a Phase 2 approach.
ESHC updated its policy on visitations on Monday, which allowed for one visitor per patient between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
However, on Saturday those policies were changed back due to a "possible surge" of COVID-19 within the community.
"ESHC has experienced an increase in COVID-related presentations to our Assessment Centre and Emergency Department, which has resulted in an increase in admissions of patients with suspected COVID," read a post made on the ESHC Facebook page.
Exemptions have been made for some patients to have at least one family member with them.
Effective immediately, only a maximum of two family members are allowed to visit when a patient is in the process of dying. If the patient has COVID-19, only one family member will be allowed to visit.
Patients within the emergency department who have cognitive or mobility difficulties or are at risk of dying will be allowed to have one family member with them.
Pediatric patients (Inpatients, Emergency Department, and Perioperative Services) will be able to have one family member present. Women who are in active labour can be accompanied by one family member (includes post-partum stay).
Patients who are considered frail or have dementia will also be allowed to have a family member present
Although the hospital is reverting back to Phase 1 of its visitor policy, the change will not affect the booking of surgeries or procedures.
Leamington and Kingsville moved into Phase 2 of reopening on July 7.