As Wiikwemkoong deals with COVID-19 outbreak, Manitoulin Health Centre tightens entry rules
As COVID-19 cases surge in the region, the Manitoulin Health Centre is rolling out a mandatory vaccination policy for designated care partners and visitors to both of its sites.
The new restrictions come into effect Dec. 6, the MHC said in a news release Tuesday.
"All designated care partners and visitors to either site (Little Current or Mindemoya) will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 together with government-issued photo ID," the release said.
However, anyone who goes to the hospital for medical reasons will not be asked for their vaccination status unless it is relevant to their care.
"If you are attending for any of those services, the policy does not apply to you," the release said. "Exceptions may be made for those not eligible for vaccination in the case of end of life and persons requiring assistance."
The move comes as residents in Wiikwemkoong are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak, declared over the weekend.
As of Monday, a total of five cases are active in the community.
"Our nurses have started the case and contact management process and are currently contacting the close contacts for these new active cases," said a post by Ogimaa Duke Peltier.
"Some of the symptoms identified by the new active cases are nasal congestion, feeling off, feeling more tired than normal, and having the sniffles.
Peltier said the community is reverting to Step 1 of the Easing of Restrictions Plan, which includes the following direction:
- Community members are strongly encouraged to stay home, and only leave for essential purposes. This includes designating one person per household to do the essential shopping.
- Community members are strongly encouraged to refrain from any gatherings, and to stay within your household bubble.
- All community programming and events will be cancelled or postponed unless they can be hosted virtually.
- All businesses and organizations within WUT to implement their outbreak management plan and continue with the health and safety precautions.
- All WBE schools, including the Hub Centre will close and begin remote online learning. The schools will be reaching out to the parents.
Anyone who needs mental health support need can contact the crisis team at 705-348-1937.
At the Manitoulin Health Centre, officials said exceptions to the new policy include:
- Parents/guardians of patients under 18 years of age.
- Designated care partners of patients in labour and delivery.
- Designated Care Partners and visitors of patients who have a life-threatening emergency or a new life-altering or critical illness diagnosis where family presence is vital for the patient, family, or care team.
- Designated care partners and visitors of patients who approaching end of life.
- Designated care partners accompanying patients with communication, language barriers, physical or cognitive impairments.
- All visitors under 12 years of age and not yet eligible for vaccination.
However, the policy does apply to clergy and any traditional supports.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.