KAWARTHA LAKES-Ross Memorial Hospital will be introducing updated visitor restrictions effective December 23, 2021.
Officials say the new restrictions are introduced with the continued safety of patients and staff in mind in light of the emerging evidence around the Omicron variant of concern and the uncertainty around the mechanisms for increased transmissibility of this variant.
Ontario reported 4,383 new cases of COVID today with 3242 in the fully vaccinated, 746 in the unvaccinated, 172 partially vaccinated and 222 unknown status.
Complete visitation details can be found at https://rmh.org/covid-19. As these restrictions are subject to change, visitors are always encouraged to visit the hospital’s webpage before each visit.
Key changes include
- – Â Each admitted patient is now allowed only two designated visitors total for the duration of their hospitalization, and only one can visit each day. Exceptions apply for end of life, critically ill, childbirth, and vulnerable patients.
- –  All visitors must be double vaccinated except visitors who fall under specific exceptions who will be required to submit to a rapid antigen test upon entering the hospital.
Ross Memorial Hospital has seen a significant increase in calls from individuals seeking information on local COVID-19 testing and vaccination options, and hospital services. The following offers current information on hospital services, and where to access additional COVID-19 information
COVID-19 Assessment Centre – The hospital’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre is experiencing an incredibly high demand currently. As a result, those calling to book an appointment may experience a delay in getting through. Individuals are asked to leave one message only. Patience and understanding is requested as our team does its best to clear messages and confirm appointments. Please note that depending on the volume of calls it may take a day or two for calls to be returned. Individuals should not visit the Emergency Department for a COVID-19 test or to obtain COVID-19 test results. Assessment Centre information can be found at https://rmh.org/covid-19.
Other local COVID-19 testing options can be found at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations. COVD-19 test results can be accessed through the provincial portal at
https://covid19results.ehealthontario.ca:4443/agree.
COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests – The hospital does not have COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available for public distribution. To find out when and where you can access rapid antigen tests, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/pop-up-holiday-schedule-rapid-antigen-tests.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics – The hospital is not currently operating public COVID-19 vaccination clinics. For local COVID-19 vaccination options, including how to book a vaccination appointment, available locations and times, and eligibility requirements, please visit https://www.hkpr.on.ca/2021/09/01/vaccination-clinics/.
Emergency Department Wait Times – The Emergency Department is currently experiencing high patient volumes. This is related to a variety of factors, including normal seasonal patient surge. To avoid long wait times, the public is urged to use the Emergency Department for emergencies only and to seek out alternate options for non-urgent care if possible. A list of local health care options over the holidays can be found at https://rmh.org/new…/accessing-care-over-the-holidays-2021.
