The COVID-19 outbreak has prompted changes at area hospitals.
Niagara Health implemented a no-visitors policy Thursday night, as part of its effort to contain the virus.
“This is a necessary measure to protect the health and well-being of our patients, reduce traffic in the hospital, and practice social distancing,” said Derek McNally, Executive Vice President of Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive for Niagara Health.
There will be some limited exceptions. These will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Facilities will provide patients with free WiFi, telephone and television service.
A similar policy was implemented as St. Joseph’s Healthcare hospitals as of Friday morning.
The President of St. Joseph’s Healthcare in #HamOnt says they are working with hospitals in the region to free up beds. Eg: a patient who can be treated in a long-term care home, would move there. @CHCHNews @morninglive pic.twitter.com/59g5yIsyo9
— Sylvie Lendvay (@sylvie_lendvay) March 20, 2020
Meanwhile, Hamilton Health Sciences stopped allowing visitors to its hospitals as of noon Friday.