Responding to COVID-19
Masks
Effective Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, surgical masks will be required to be worn by all staff on the inpatient units and the outpatient areas when providing direct care to patients. Providing direct care occurs when one is entering the patient space (closer than 6 feet) and when one will be having an interaction with a patient. Masks should also be worn when transporting patients from one area to the another within the facility as they will be closer than 6 feet to a patient.
At this time masks are not required in any other areas of Waypoint but as a reminder Waypoint remains mask friendly and staff and visitors are free to wear a mask when they feel that they may require one.
This change to masking guidance is being made as we are entering respiratory virus season and COVID levels continue to increase both locally and provincially. We are also experiencing a steady flow of staff reported COVID illness. This practice aligns with practices at our regional hospital partners.
Guiding Principles for Visitors
* While visits do not need to be pre-arranged, it is recommended to contact
the program social worker to let them know of the visit. Without prior visit
arrangements, the visit may be delayed and/or may not be able to occur.
* In general, visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily throughout
Waypoint. Visiting hours may vary on different programs. Visitors should
contact the program they are planning to visit to confirm specific visiting
hours (where applicable), as there are activities and programs occurring
throughout the day that patients may choose to attend.
* Patients are allowed up to four (4) visitors at one time. Special
arrangements to have more visitors may be made in advance with
appropriate staff.
* No more than four (4) visitors are allowed on the program at one time.
* Masks are no longer universally mandatory for patients, visitors and
staff at Waypoint. Waypoint continues to be mask friendly and supports
anyone who chooses to wear a mask in the hospital. Masks will
continue to be available.
* Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell.
For more information on visiting, please contact the hospital at 705.549.3181 or 1.877.341.4729 and speak a member of the care team. You may also visit our Visitor Page for more information.
Screening for illness
Everyone must self-screen before entering the building. Staff must self-screen daily at the beginning of their shift - by entering the building you are attesting that you have self-screened.
Screening questions:
* Do you have any of the following four (4) symptoms not related to known
allergies or other chronic conditions: fever and/or chills, cough,
shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell?
AND/OR
* Two or more of the following new or worsening symptoms: runny
nose/nasal congestion, headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat,
muscle aches/joint pain, nausea/vomiting and/or diarrhea?
Click here for a poster of the Screening Protocol.
Visitor Vaccination Requirements
Proof of vaccination for visitors is no longer required.