The next phase of Ontario's reopening is set for next week, but for now, Windsor-Essex hospitals will keep things as they are for visitors.
In a joint statement released Friday afternoon, Windsor Regional Hospital, Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and Erie Shores Healthcare announced they will each retain their current visitor policies on Tuesday, March 1, the day the Ontario government lifts additional guidelines put in place to control the spread of COVID-19."While we look forward to continued progress and stable and/or downward trends in the numbers of COVID-19 cases in our communities, we need to recognize that health care settings remain vulnerable to transmission of the virus to high-risk individuals, including through COVID-19 outbreaks which have recently continued to occur inside our facilities," read the statement. "Unlike restaurants, gyms, retailers and other settings, given the population we serve, hospitals have a greater responsibility to monitor, assess and mitigate all risks to patients and staff."
The statement also encouraged residents to get vaccinated, particularly young people. As of Friday, only 23.2 per cent of those aged 5 to 11 had received both doses of a vaccine. The vaccination rate also remains low for those 18 to 24 at 76.7 per cent, and at 78.9 per cent for those aged 12 to 17.
Masking and physical distancing policies will continue at each hospital. Visit the hospital's official website for specific details.