Now that regional COVID-19 case rates are lower and have stabilized, Windsor Regional Hospital is relaxing some of its visitor restrictions.
Starting Monday, patients may choose two essential visitors to come for the duration of their stay. Only one is allowed to visit per day and only during one timeslot.
The hospital has decided to loosen restrictions at both the Met and Ouellette Campuses and the Regional Cancer Centre.
Back on April 17, it had restricted all visitors with few exceptions. Monday's announcement rescinds the policy.
The time slots available for visitation are from 10 a.m. to noon and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., except in critical care units. In those units, visitors are welcome from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
An "essential visitor" is defined as someone visiting a patient who is dying or very ill, a parent or guardian of a youth patient, those supporting a patient in labour, and for those providing essential support or physical support to a patient.
Patients with an active, confirmed, or suspected case of COVID-19 are not allowed visitors, but staff will facilitate virtual visits.
Restrictions remain in place for those under 18, have symptoms of COVID-19, have been outside Canada the past two weeks, have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, or with someone who has an acute respiratory illness who was outside Canada.
Medical-grade masks are still mandatory at Windsor Regional Hospital, and face shields will have to be worn while visiting a patient.
