After one month, Niagara Health scales visitors back from two to one

Back on March 14, Niagara Health, a group that runs the region’s hospitals, announced that they would begin allowing two visitors per patient.

As COVID-19 rates start to spike once again, the health unit is cutting the number of visitors from two to one starting tomorrow (April 14) exactly one month later.

“Only one visitor or Essential Care Partner (ECP) will be permitted at the bedside for inpatient units, including Labour and Delivery and NICU,” said Niagara Health. “There is no change for outpatient, Emergency Department (ED) and Urgent Care Centres (UCC), where patients can continue to bring one person to support them.”

The COVID-19 protocols to follow while inside the hospital have not changed. They remain:

• Wear a mask at all times.
• Clean your hands when entering or leaving spaces.
• Practice physical distancing.
• Do not eat or drink inside patient rooms and other areas not designated for food or drink consumption.
• Wear identifying stickers in an easy-to-see spot.

There has been no change to visiting hours, which remain 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Said the health unit, “Niagara Health regularly reviews and updates its safety measures based on COVID-19 activity to ensure the hospital remains a safe environment.”