Shared on behalf of Jennifer Wintermans, EVP, Communications & Corporate Relations, COVID-19 Lead
Effective immediately, our Hospital has moved its internal COVID-19 Pandemic Response Level from Grey (Lockdown) to Red (Control).
As of today, our Hospital has 28 patients admitted who have tested positive for COVID-19. Of those, 8 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Locally, there are 153 active cases, and Ontario is reporting 551 people hospitalized with COVID-19, of which 181 patients are in ICUs.
The decision to move our internal COVID-19 Pandemic Response to Level Red (Control) is based on multiple factors, such as the more controlled level of patients with COVID-19 in our Hospital, decreasing the size of the COVID-19 unit, a decline in number of cases locally and easing of restrictions provincially.
As part of Level Red (Control), the following components have been reviewed and approved:
- Level 3 Clinical Service Continuity Assessment Team will continue to meet and review our needs.
- Surgical ramp up will follow provincial guidelines with ongoing assessment for a transition to full-service resumption.
- Testing all new admissions for COVID-19 will continue.
- All vaccinated volunteers can return.
- COVID-19 unit will continue to be active until less than 12 patients are in hospital
- Remote work will remain status quo.
- Education and Simulation to resume paused services as long as PPE, physical distancing and space allow.
- Contractors and vendors onsite will remain and continue with only essential contractors, vendors and technical support, no general suppliers or sales people onsite.
- Essential Care Partners (ECPs) will allow one to two ECP daily or allow alternate ECPs at Manager’s discretion from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM; no changes to palliative ECPs (unlimited, two at a time).
- Meetings are to primarily occur virtually and in-person meetings may occur only if necessary.
- Masking and eye protection will continue as per Ministry of Health guidance. Masking and eye protection remains mandatory for all staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers, and essential contractors at all times, including at entry and exit of the Hospital and all satellite locations, unless alone in a closed-door office, or when eating or drinking and able to maintain physical distancing.
All response activities are evaluated daily by IMT and Leaders across the organization to ensure they are effective and appropriate.
Our appreciation is extended to you and your teams for all you do as we continue to be available for the community we serve.
All Hospital COVID-19 updates and resources are also available on the iNtranet at https://comms.tbrhsc.net/covid-19-information/