Bluewater Health is reminding residents to continue to follow public health measures, such as wearing a mask, while in high-risk settings as remaining provincial mandates are lifted.
The mask mandate was lifted Monday for most indoor public settings such as schools, restaurants, retail stores, gyms, and movie theatres. However, the change does not apply to settings such as hospitals.
"We will be closely monitoring community cases and hospital admissions on an ongoing basis. As we see the impact of lifting measures locally in coming weeks, we can then better assess the next steps at Bluewater Health," read a media release. "The community can expect hospitals to continue observing health and safety measures, including masking, for some time, as the health and safety of patients and staff at Bluewater Health remains a top priority."
The following public health measures will remain in place at Bluewater Health until further notice:
- Anyone entering the hospital will be required to wear a mask and undergo screening.
- Observe physical distancing.
- Anyone entering the hospital is reminded to sanitize their hands.
- Proof of vaccination will be asked of all visitors except those to the emergency department, excluding patients.
In emergency departments, a support person may stay in the waiting room or visitor lounge after a patient has been triaged.
Rapid COVID-19 testing will still be required of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated designated care partners visiting inpatients. The testing requirement will also apply to a support person, who is not fully vaccinated, who accompanies a patient to an outpatient appointment.
The Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team also reminded residents last week that the mask requirement will remain in effect at primary care offices and clinics, nurse practitioner-led clinics, and community health centres.
