Burlington hospital eliminates COVID-19 vaccination requirement for visitors

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Published May 6, 2022 at 9:59 am

Burlington’s Joseph Brant Hospital has decided to ease COVID-19 restrictions on visitors.

According to a hospital spokesperson, the update to the guidelines for essential care partners (ECPs) and visitors to allow non-vaccinated visitors was made after closely monitoring the current COVID-19 situation in Halton Region.

Effective immediately, ECPs and visitors will not be declined entry to hospital based on their vaccination status. In addition, children 18 years and under may now visit loved ones in hospital under adult supervision, while wearing a face mask, if two years or older and passing the COVID-19 screening.

All ECPs and visitors are still required to screen for symptoms of COVID-19, wear a face mask for the duration of their time in the hospital and wear any additional personal protective equipment as required. Those who fail screening will not be permitted entry, with very limited exceptions.

Recognizing the important role ECPs play in a patient’s care, wellness and recovery, the following guidelines are in effect for ECPs and visitors:

  • Ambulatory care: One ECP may attend with a patient.
  • Emergency care: The patient may identify up to two ECPs. Only one ECP can be at the patient’s side at any time.
  • In-patient care: Two ECPs are allowed at the bedside at the same time. This can include two adults or one adult and one child.
  • Person in labour: Two ECPs are permitted.
  • In-patient end of life: Patients expected to pass within 72 hours are permitted up to four one-time, two-hour visits. Additional ECPs are permitted above those originally identified. Only two ECPs may be at the bedside at a time.
  • Patients under 18 years of age: Two parents/legal guardians are permitted to accompany the patient or attend the bedside at the same time.

We appreciate the support from our community, as our incredible team of staff and physicians have worked tirelessly to care for our patients and families during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Eric Vandewall, president and CEO of Joseph Brant Hospital.

“As the situation evolves, we are excited to now be able to re-evaluate the policies in place for our Essential Care Partners, as we know their presence is an important component of patient care.”

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