COVID-19 Information

Windsor Regional Hospital COVID-19 Daily Update

Last Updated: October 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

WRH COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE (SINCE MARCH 16, 2020)  
Total # seen in the Assessment Centre 138,422
Total # swabbed in the Assessment Centre 135,781
 

WRH IN-PATIENT COVID-19 CASES
Current total # of in-patients in the hospital, including the ICU, with confirmed COVID-19
(fully vaccinated) (partially vaccinated) (unvaccinated)		 12 (3) (0) (9) 
Current total # of in-patients in the ICU with confirmed COVID-19
(fully vaccinated) (partially vaccinated) (unvaccinated)		 4 (1) (0) (3)
Total # of patients deceased in the hospital from COVID-19 263
Unvaccinated is defined as not having any dose or between 0-13 days after administration of the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Partially vaccinated is defined as 14 days or more after the first dose of a 2-dose series COVID-19 vaccine, or between 0-13 days after administration of the second dose

Fully vaccinated is defined as 14 days or more after receipt of the second dose of a 2-dose series COVID-19 vaccine.

For the total number of Windsor and Essex County residents/patients testing positive for COVID-19 (which includes hospital(s) patient testing positive for COVID-19) go to Windsor Essex Public Health Information.

 

 

VISITOR RESTRICTIONS & REQUIREMENTS

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 30, 2021, anyone wanting to visit an in-patient or attend with a patient for an out-patient procedure will be required to provide either:

  • documented proof of their COVID-19 vaccination evidencing 14 days have passed since their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; OR
  • a negative community-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction test) or antigen test result taken within 3 days before their visit.

EFFECTIVE JUNE 25th, 2021 WRH will allow TWO essential visitors for each patient, with some exceptions. A maximum of TWO essential visitors may be chosen by the patient to rotate over the patient's stay in the hospital, however, only one of the essential visitors may be at the bedside at a time within the allotted visitation.

All visitors must wear a medical-grade mask and eye protection at ALL times and in ALL areas of the hospital. If visitors do not have one they will be provided with a medical-grade mask at the entrance. Cloth masks by themselves will not be allowed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All visitors are required to wear a face shield in addition to eye protection and a mask while visiting a patient. Face shields will be provided to visitors on entry to the hospital or on the unit. Please refer to our policy regarding these issues and limited exemptions for patients/visitors not to wear a mask.

No visitation is allowed for patients with active confirmed or suspected COVID-19, that are receiving aerosol-generating medical procedures including but not exclusive to non-invasive ventilation (BiPAP, CPAP) or high flow oxygen (AIRVO, Optiflow) due to the extremely high risk to patients, staff, and visitors. Please refer to the nursing unit for clarification. Virtual visits for these patients will be supported using technology such as iPads. Resolved cases may have visitors as identified in this policy.

Visitation Hours:

  • 8 am to 8 pm (except Critical Care units)
  • 10 am to 6 pm, and 8 pm to 10 pm (Critical Care units only)
  • For Mental Health and Renal Dialysis please see below

Essential visitors include the following:

  • Four visitors may rotate (2 visitors at a time) 24/7 for palliative patients. Four visitors may visit 24/7 for a patient who is actively dying/end of life. This may include visitors less than 18 years of age when accompanied by an adult
  • If a patient has planned withdrawal of life support, four visitors can attend
  • Visitors must be age 18 or older unless they are parent/guardian of the patient
  • One support person for a pregnant patient going to OBT/Scheduled C-section/Induction/Post-Partum
  • One support person with a mom going to Maternal Newborn Clinic
  • For an ill newborn, child, or youth 2 identified caregivers for inpatients can come and go between 08:00 - 20:00 and one of the identified caregivers can stay overnight between 2000-0800. For out-patients and day surgeries, 2 identified caregivers can accompany the patient

Essential visitors will be restricted if they:

  • Are less than 18 years of age (except as above)
  • Are symptomatic
  • Have been outside of Canada in the last 14 days
  • Have tested positive for COVID-19 (and are not resolved cases)
  • Have had close contact with a confirmed case or probable case of COVID-19
  • Have had close contact with a person with an acute respiratory illness who has been Outside of Canada in the 14 days before their symptom onset

DEPARTMENT-SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS

  • Cancer Program - For scheduled outpatient cancer appointments with a provider, the patient may have one essential visitor accompany them. This does not include appointments for lab work, medical treatment, or diagnostic imaging.
  • Emergency Department - 24 hours, one essential visitor per patient- may not enter until the patient has been brought in from the waiting room. Department will contact when visitors can enter. May not wait in the waiting room.
  • Lab and Diagnostic Imaging - Patients with profound disabilities that are determined by clinical teams to require the personal support of a family member/caregiver will be allowed one essential visitor who will remain with the patient for the entire visit or in a space designated by the clinical team if a procedure requires it.
  • Family Birthing - For a pregnant patient going to OBT/Scheduled C-section/Induction/Post-Partum, a maximum of TWO essential visitors may be chosen by the patient to rotate over the patient's stay in the hospital, however, only one of the essential visitors may be at the bedside at a time.
  • Maternal Newborn Clinic - One support person with a mom going to Maternal Newborn Clinic
  • Paediatrics and NICU - For an ill newborn, child, or youth 2 identified caregivers for inpatients can come and go between 8 am – 8 pm and one of the identified caregivers can stay overnight between 8 pm and 8 am. For out-patients and day surgeries, two identified caregivers can accompany the patient
  • Mental Health Department - Two essential visitors may be chosen with 1 essential visitor per patient for 30 minutes between 4:00 pm-8:00 pm. To avoid overcrowding in common areas, we have limited visitation to a maximum of 4 visitors being allowed into 3N and 3S and a maximum of 2 visitors into PICU at a time. Visits must take place in the designated common area and are not allowed in patient rooms.
  • Renal Dialysis Program - In-center dialysis - outpatients (Bell/JM/ESHC): 0830-1000, 1330-1500, and 1900-2030 – 1 essential visitor per patient. In-patients in JM – to follow hospital visitation hours. Home Programs and MCKC – 1 essential visitor with patient per clinic visit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE ABOVE:

If the patient in labour is confirmed or suspected COVID-19

  • The visitor remains with the patient in the same physical environment throughout the care delivery
  • The clinical team is able to provide visitor with a safe environment and teaching necessary for infection control
  • The visitor is masked and reports to Public Health as they may be required to self-isolate, depending on test results

Requests for Exception to Visitation Policy

  • Exceptions to the above are only considered in rare and truly exceptional circumstances.
  • If a family member wishes to seek an exception to the above visitation policy, they should contact Patient Relations:
    • Ouellette Campus: Phone: 519-254-5577 Ext.34404
    • Met Campus: Phone: 519-254-5577 Ext.52317
    • After Hours: Phone: 519-254-5577 dial zero for switchboard and ask for the After Hours Manager
  • The family member will be contacted once the review process is complete with an answer.

 

READ MORE

  
 

PAEDIATRIC URGENT MEDICAL ASSESSMENT CLINIC

The PUMA Clinic offers COVID-19 testing, urgent care medical assessment based on potential COVID-19 symptoms and, where appropriate, COVID-19 vaccinations using the approved Pfizer vaccine for those born in 2009 or earlier.

The booking site will open at noon every day to book still available same day and next day paediatric urgent medical appointments. In the event of child and youth emergencies, call 911 or attend the Emergency Department.

LEARN MORE

  
 

COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE

Effective March 8th, 2021, WRH will no longer provide COVID-19 testing for the purposes of international travel at either of the two COVID-19 Assessment Centres.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR TESTING TODAY.

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre at the WRH Ouellette Campus is open daily from 7 am to 3 pm.

To book an appointment online visit wrh.on.ca/OnlineBooking. (Please note: Internet Explorer is not a supported browser for the online booking tool). You will be asked to create a user profile and have a working email address. Please indicate Windsor under location.

You can also book an appointment by calling 519-973-4443. Phones are answered Monday - Friday, between 8 am and 4 pm. Please have your health card ready. We will be booking 7 days in advance.

If you do not have access to a mobile device, phone, and/or computer or have a disability that prevents you from using one of those platforms to book an appointment please come to the COVID-19 Assessment Centre for support.

LEARN MORE

  
 

ADDITIONAL COVID-19 TESTING LOCATIONS

COVID-19 testing is available at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations for COVID-19 testing is available at select Shoppers Drug Mart locations for asymptomatic individuals that meet criteria established by the province.

Shoppers Drug Mart - Located in Devonshire Mall
3100 Howard Ave Unit T20, Windsor, ON N8X 3Y8

Shoppers Drug Mart - Located in Tecumseh Mall
7720 Tecumseh Rd E, Windsor, ON N8T 1E9

Shoppers Drug Mart
1760 Huron Church Rd, Windsor, ON N9C 2L4

LEARN MORE

  
 

PATIENT, VISITOR, AND STAFF SCREENING

To help expedite the screening process, visitors can complete a copy of the visitor or staff screening form prior to arrival. Hard copies are also available at the hospital entrance.

Windsor Regional Hospital is limiting entrances and screening all individuals entering the hospital.

All staff are encouraged to download the staff screening app to complete the screening form and receive clearance before coming to work. 

READ MORE & VIEW ACCESS MAPS

  
 

COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION:

Learn more about the vaccine and how it can help protect you and your family from COVID-19.

  

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

If I am informed I am positive what will I be asked to do?

 

SELF ISOLATE
  • Do not go to work, school, or other public places.
  • Stay home unless you require urgent medical care.
  • Do not use public transportation, taxis or rideshares.

Avoid contact with others

  • As much as possible, stay in a separate room away from other people in your home and use a separate bathroom if you have one.
  • Keep a distance of at least 2 metres from others at all times.
  • No visitors unless essential (e.g., care providers); inform them you are positive.
  • Make sure that shared rooms have good airflow (e.g., open windows).

Keep your distance

  • If you are in a room with other people, keep a distance of at least 2 metres and wear a mask or face covering that covers your nose and mouth.
  • Anyone in the same room as you should wear a mask.

 

SYMPTOM MONITORING:
  • Keep track of your symptoms including the date each symptom started and resolved.
  • Seek medical care if your symptoms worsen; call 911 if you have difficulty breathing.

 

COMPILE A LIST OF PLACES VISITED & PEOPLE CASE WAS IN CLOSE CONTACT WITHIN THE PAST 14 DAYS
(include dates and times where possible):
  • All places visited (work, school, restaurant, travel, social gatherings, etc.)
  • Include addresses if possible.
  • Include all household members (including roommates, care providers in the home, etc.)
  • Identify individuals that spent more than 15 minutes with the case and less than 2 metres distance, while not wearing personal protective equipment (e.g., mask and eye protection).

 

HEALTH UNIT FOLLOW UP
  • A nurse from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will call within the next couple of days.
  • Please have your list of names and phone numbers of all your household contacts, places visited, and anyone you have been in contact with while not wearing a mask in the past 14 days. The Health Unit will review this information when they call you

How has WRH prepared for COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)?

Windsor Regional Hospital continues to monitor developments regarding the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, including staying up to date on the latest guidelines and information from Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health, and our local Public Health unit. We remain vigilant in protecting our staff, patients, and visitors through rigorous infection and prevention controls, including screening of patients upon arrival for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and the implementation of visitor restrictions.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19, and what should I do to prevent the spread of the illness?

Please see the links below:

When should I seek medical care?

If you are an otherwise healthy individual and are not experiencing any serious symptoms, do NOT come to the hospital emergency department to check whether you have contracted COVID-19. Coming to the ED risks transmitting the virus to others.

Most cases of the coronavirus tend to be mild, contact your primary care provider, medical clinic or the Windsor-Essex Public Health Unit:

  • Call the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 within 24 hours of arriving in Canada if you plan on traveling to Windsor and Essex County.
  • Call the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420 if you are experiencing symptoms of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
  • Call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 (24 hours, seven days a week).

EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS IN ADULTS:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting

You should call your health care provider immediately if you experience these symptoms and you:

  • are pregnant;
  • have heart or lung disease;
  • have any other chronic health problem that requires regular medical attention;
  • live in a remote or isolated community;
  • are elderly or frail; or
  • have an illness or are receiving treatments - for example, for diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS - that might affect your immune system.

What if my child seems very sick?

Call for emergency care or take your child to a doctor right away if your child (of any age) has any of the warning or emergency signs below:
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish or gray skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids (not going to the bathroom or not making as much urine as they normally do)
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash
  • Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma) and develops flu symptoms, including a fever and/or cough.

Do I need to wear a mask?

Surgical masks are provided at all screening desks.  Every patient and visitor will be asked to wear a mask upon entry to the hospital.  

 

DAILY UPDATES:

October 2021

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Guidance On Personal Protective Equipment and Ethical Frameworks

COVID-19 Testing Guidelines, Treatment of In-Patients, LTC Residents and Healthcare Workers

LTC Homes and Hospital Staff Placement

COVID-19 HR Recommendations

St. Clair Campus

Town Hall Meetings

COVID-19 Town Hall Update - March 13, 2020

President and CEO David Musyj and VP Karen Riddell provide an update to WRH staff on the efforts to protect the public, patients, and staff from the potential transmission of COVID-19.

View speaking notes from the event.

 

Update on Internal and External COVID-19 Preparations: March 4, 2020

Documents

Coping With COVID