Essential care partner restrictions that went into effect on April 7, 2022 will be eased; however, general visitation will still be restricted due to high levels of COVID-19 in the community and ongoing outbreaks in many healthcare settings in our district.  

The updated essential care partner policy is as follows:   

• All acute/long-stay/palliative care patients: Two essential care partners at a time during visiting hours;  
• Pediatric patients: Two parents/guardians or essential care partners;
• End-of-life patients: Two essential care partners at a time and can identify multiple caregivers;
• Critically ill or sudden decline in status: Two essential care partners.

Outpatients and patients coming to the Emergency Department who require additional support will be permitted an escort as previously implemented on April 7, 2022.

All essential care partners will be required to test negatively on a rapid antigen test performed the day of each visit and will be screened upon entry into the hospital. Essential care partners are required to perform hand hygiene prior to and after leaving a patient’s room and must wear a mask at all times while in the hospital. Visiting hours will be limited to 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm daily.

If you are an escort, caregiver or essential care partner who is not feeling well, have tested positive within the last ten days or have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, please do not come to the hospital.