This page is updated regularly. Check back for updates.
The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) causes a respiratory infection and spreads mainly from person to person. Those with a weakened immune system are more at risk, which may be the case for older people and those with chronic diseases. The World Health Organization has characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. We are taking precautions at HWMH to ensure the safety of our staff, patients, and community. Updates will be shared frequently to ensure everyone has the information required to remain safe.
LINKS
- The World Health Organisation, WHO
- The Public Health Agency of Canada
- Public Health Ontario
- Haldimand Norfolk Health and Social Services
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Both Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH) and Edgewater Gardens have now been CLOSED to visitors as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Elective surgery has been cancelled as well as non-essential clinic appointments. Patients will be contacted about whether they should come in for their appointments.
All employees and patients who need to come to the hospital and people delivering essential supplies are being screened prior to entering HWMH and Edgewater.
The hospital is asking people who have mild or moderate flu-like symptoms to NOT come to the Emergency Department, but instead call the Haldimand-Norfolk Public Health Unit at 519-426-6170 ext 3205 and after hours 1-877-298-5888 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. Those with serious symptoms should immediately call 911.
Members of the community who need to visit the Emergency Department for other urgent situations are asked to come unaccompanied by others, unless there is an exceptional circumstance – such as a child needing to come in with a parent, or a person unable to enter the department on his/her own.
For the latest updates on the effects of COVID-19 on the operations of the hospital and Edgewater Gardens, visit the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital Facebook page or website hwmh.ca.
What to do if you’re feeling unwell
If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, use this self-assessment tool (link to https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment) to determine next steps.
If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.
Screening
We are proactively screening patients. What does that mean for you? Upon registration, staff will ask patients about travel and symptoms, particularly respiratory symptoms, and contact with others. If you meet the current case-definition (a combination of symptoms, contact, and/or travel) for COVID-19 staff will begin a special infection-control protocol.
Protect Yourself
To help prevent the spread of all types of respiratory illnesses, including influenza, we recommend:
• wash your hands often with soap and water;
• avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm;
• avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth to prevent illness;
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and,
• get the flu shot, if you haven’t already done so.
