Grand River, St. Mary's General hospitals to begin new COVID-19 measures Monday
Hospitals to screen all patients and visitors, limit companions
All patients and visitors to Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital will be screened for COVID-19 as they enter the hospitals beginning Monday, March 16, the two hospitals announced in a joint release Sunday.
Screening will involve asking questions about a person's health and recent travel, the release said.
People are urged to avoid going to the hospital unless they have an appointment or are in need of urgent care.
"You should not come to hospital for COVID-19 testing unless you are directed to by Waterloo Region Public Health," the release said.
Patients will also be limited to one visitor or companion "except for exceptional circumstances."
These measures will be in place as long as necessary, the hospitals said.
The hospitals are also reminding everyone, whether they are in hospital or not, to stay safe by washing their hands frequently and thoroughly and keeping a distance of about two metres away from others.