COVID-19 signage at the Thunder Bay Health Unit.
Effective immediately, St. Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay will not permit in-person visitors at Hogarth Riverview Manor, Bethammi Nursing Home, and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Last week, SJCG implemented mandatory screening and visitor restrictions for the duration of the novel coronavirus pandemic at all sites to help keep clients, patients, residents, and staff safe and well. Since that time, there have been rapid and numerous developments in terms of containment of COVID-19.
“In accordance with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health recommendations and, as importantly, in consideration of the ongoing safety and well being of our clients, we are stopping visitation at our long-term care homes and St. Joseph’s Hospital,” said Tracy Buckler, SJCG President & CEO.
Buckler notes that exceptions may be made for clients approaching the end of their lives. “Acting with compassion is even more important during difficult times, and we need to balance the safety of all with giving our clients the time they need with their families during the end stage of life,” said Buckler.
“These unprecedented times require the collective support of families, the public, clients and staff, with the hope that this global pandemic will be contained and that we will be able to return to business as usual.”
For the limited number of visitors that will be permitted, screening remains in place at SJCG sites across Thunder Bay.
There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Thunder Bay. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is urging you to self-isolate for 14 days if you have been out of the country. Authorities are also urging you to get your news on COVID-19 from credible news sources and that the Health Unit will be confirming any cases which show up in the district.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has implemented restrictions as well. Only one person is allowed to visit any patient at any time and that person must be designated by the patient. Everyone entering the hospital is being screened. There is also an assessment centre set up just outside the hospital’s Emergency Department.
Public and Catholic schools in Thunder Bay will be closed until at least April 5th. Confederation College and Lakehead University have suspended classes this week in order to formulate an online learning plan for students.
