(Peterborough, ON) – As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly across Ontario, and cases continue to increase in Peterborough and the surrounding communities, PRHC will be moving to a more restrictive phase of our temporary visiting policy on Thursday, December 23 as an additional measure to protect the health and safety of everyone at the hospital.

Under this phase of the temporary policy, the following key changes will take effect:

  • A limited number of designated essential caregivers will be permitted for specific patient groups only. Designated caregivers must be registered to the patient to come to the hospital.
  • The number of designated caregivers permitted in the patient’s room at one time will be limited to one (1) in most cases.

Visiting hours for designated essential caregivers will continue to be 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., subject to additional restrictions as detailed on PRHC’s website.

PRHC continues to strongly encourage the use of our Virtual Visiting program to support ongoing family presence while helping to keep our patients, staff and community safe. For more information about booking a visit through this program, read the FAQ document provided here.

What is a designated essential caregiver?

In the hospital setting, an essential caregiver or care partner is a person who provides support to an individual with limited capacity, an urgent medical condition, age-related issues, disability or chronic health concerns. Caregivers may be family, friends or neighbours, and there is no age requirement to provide care. Young caregivers, adult children, spouses and peers can all provide support. These individuals are considered essential when their presence is deemed beneficial to the assessment, diagnosis, and physical and/or mental health care of the patient.

Designated essential caregivers coming to the hospital will continue to be screened at both public entrances and will be required to check in with their name and phone number at the hospital’s main information desk. They will be asked to wear a mask at all times when in the hospital, including in the patient/bed area, and to clean their hands well and frequently while at the hospital.
This phase of PRHC’s temporary visiting policy will remain in effect until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation and diligence as we work together to keep our patients, families and community safe.

For other news, updates, information and resources related to COVID-19, visit our website at: https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/

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For more information: Michelene Ough | Director, Communications | mough@prhc.on.ca