GBGH transitions to passive screening for COVID-19 symptoms

October 28, 2022 – Effective Tuesday, November 1, visitors and patients at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) will no longer be actively screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon entering the hospital. Visitors and patients will be expected to review a list of symptoms and if they are experiencing any of these symptoms, to not proceed with their visit. GBGH staff or volunteers, who are now returning to service at the hospital, will serve as greeters, ensuring patients and visitors are passively screening for symptoms and adhering to other COVID-19 protocols still in place, including masking.

“While GBGH is gradually and carefully making some changes to our hospital-specific COVID-19 protocols, the safety of our patients and team are still of the highest importance,” says Angie Saini, vice president, Clinical Services and chief nursing executive. “It is still important that anyone visiting the hospital be aware of any symptoms and not visit while feeling unwell. We have made this transition to passive screening with the expectation that patients and visitors will keep the safety of others in mind by self-monitoring for symptoms.”

While visitors will no longer be actively screened for COVID-19 symptoms and are not required to show proof of COVID-19 immunization, GBGH remains committed to keeping patients, staff, visitors and volunteers safe through a continuation of mandatory masking within the hospital. All patients and visitors will be required to wear a hospital-provided mask for the duration of their visit. Health experts have agreed that continued use of masking in hospital settings remains a simple and necessary safeguard. Masking helps prevent the most vulnerable patients – those cared for by hospitals – from contracting COVID-19.

Visitors and patients will also be expected to sanitize their hands upon entering and exiting the building.

COVID-19 policies are subject to change based on the status of the pandemic within the region GBGH serves.

Contact:
Jennifer Moore
Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Georgian Bay General Hospital
705-526-1300 ext 5177
moorejen@gbgh.on.ca