Temiskaming Hospital has implemented new measures in order to comply with the province’s state of emergency and stay-at-home order that came into effect on Thursday, January 14th, 2021 at midnight. These measures will help to reduce the amount of traffic within Temiskaming Hospital to stop the spread of COVID-19 and will remain in effect until at least Thursday, February 11th, 2021.

“The number of cases in North Eastern Ontario continues to climb, rather significantly in some jurisdictions, and we know the situation can change dramatically in very short order,” stated Temiskaming Hospital President & CEO Mike Baker. He continued, “Temiskaming Hospital will do its part in implementing this new state of emergency by further reducing the staff and patient footprint in the hospital.”

Beginning today, as many staff as possible will be working from home.

Scheduled outpatient appointments will remain and will continue to be managed to ensure patients are not congregating in waiting rooms and to ensure enough time is allotted for proper cleaning of rooms. Those with scheduled appointments are reminded to show up at their allotted time, not beforehand, to prevent congestion in waiting areas.

Only essential care partners, those accompanying pediatric, end-of-life or obstetrical patients, will be permitted access to the hospital.

In keeping with the hospital’s universal masking policy that was implemented in the spring of last year, all people entering the hospital, including essential care partners, must wear a mask at all times. Those with a medical exemption from wearing a mask will be provided with alternate procedures and those procedures must be followed. Food must not be brought into the hospital as eating and drinking these items requires removing the mask.

“We are all feeling the effects of COVID fatigue; however, our record in dealing with COVID-19 in our community has been remarkable,” commented Baker. “Even though things appear dire as cases increase and hospitalizations, ICU occupancy and ventilator utilization in the province reach dangerous levels, there is hope now as vaccinations roll out across the province. We must continue to push forward and sustain our diligence so we can prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Temiskaming Hospital’s mission is to provide quality, patient-centered health care and education close to home. For the most up-to-date information about Temiskaming Hospital, please visit www.temiskaming-hospital.com.

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For further information, contact:
Lesley Langford, COVID-19 Media Relations Officer
705.647.1088 extension 2030
lkaross@temiskaming-hospital.com