As it has the entire pandemic, Windsor Regional Hospital is changing its visitor policy.
Starting Monday, November 15, anyone going to the hospital will need to show documented proof of COVID-19 vaccination and be at least two weeks after receiving their second dose of the vaccine.
That's for the Met Campus, Ouellette Campus, and the Regional Cancer Centre.
There are limited exceptions where the hospital will accept a negative PCR test or a community-based antigen test taken within three days of the visit. That will be allowed if the person is visiting a patient in pediatrics, palliative care, a labouring mother, if the patient is experiencing a life-altering or critical illness, or if the patient requires a support person due to an underlying condition like dementia or mobility issues.
More visitors per patient are allowed. Each patient can have four essential visitors on a rotating basis, and up to eight can see a patient in palliative care.
All visitors must wear personal protective equipment, such as medical-grade masks and eye protection. Those who do not have a medical-grade mask and face shield can get them at the hospital's entrance.
Because of the high transmissibility of COVID-19, patients diagnosed with the virus who are receiving aerosol-generating medical procedures or high-flow oxygen can not see visitors. Virtual visits can be set up with the nursing unit.
Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all patients except those on critical care units. Critical care unit visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Those under 18 not accompanied by a parent or guardian and not visiting a palliative care or end-of-life care patient will not be allowed inside the hospital. Anyone who has been outside Canada in the past two weeks, has tested positive for COVID-19 or had close contact with someone who has, should not visit.