Shared on behalf of Jennifer Wintermans, VP, Quality and Corporate Affairs, COVID-19 Lead, and Adam Vinet, VP, Patient Experience and Chief Nursing Executive, Regional VP, Cancer Care Services
Effective, Tuesday, November 15th, our Hospital will be moving its internal COVID-19 Pandemic Response Level from Orange (Restrict) to Red (Control).
This decision was based on the need to increase response activities and protective measures geared to decreasing transmission of viruses and preserving hospital capacity and staffing, as a result of the increased level of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory virus within the community.
The following restrictions and response activities will continue or be implemented in order to manage the complex fall viruses that we are experiencing:
- Masking: Continues to be mandatory for all except for when eating or within a private office. Level 3 masking remains required at all times.
- Eye Protection: Mandatory eye protection is required in all patient care areas or clinical settings, and in circumstances where face to face contact occurs (less than 2 metres) with no structural shielding in place.
- Testing all new Admissions: Remains status quo and continue to test with exceptions as previously approved (Mat/LD, Out-patients)
- In-person Meetings: Meetings should be virtual whenever possible. If an in-person meeting is considered essential, it must be scheduled onsite and follow all required precautions including masking and physical distancing. In-person meetings should also include a virtual option where room size does not permit adequate distancing or to accommodate individuals who are unable to attend onsite.
- Contractors and Vendors: Essential and high priority contractors and technical support and essential vendors will be permitted. General suppliers and general sales people should not be present onsite.
- Emergency Department Precautions: N95 masks required when treating patients that fail screening or require airborne and droplet precautions. All staff are required to wear Level 3 procedure mask and eye protection while on unit. Retrieve scrubs from pandemic storage if required.
- Education and Simulation: No learner restrictions. All education on COVID-19 and IPAC measures to new staff will continue.
- Physical Distancing: Mandatory Physical distancing where able of 2 metres.
- Remote Work: Continue at the discretion of the program/department.
- Essential Care Partners and Care Partners: Follow ECP Guidance for Level Red- Only 1 ECP and Manager discretion when considering alternatives or special circumstances.
All response activities are evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure they are effective and appropriate by Senior Leadership Council and leaders across the organization.
Staff are reminded to complete the entrance screening tool prior to each shift, practice hand hygiene and wear PPE appropriate for the work environment.
We thank everyone for their continued cooperation and dedication to keeping our Hospital and community safe.
All Hospital COVID-19 updates, memos and resources are also available on the iNtranet at https://comms.tbrhsc.net/covid-19-information/.