BCHS Removes Requirement for Visitor Vaccination Effective March 1, 2022

Brantford, ON – As a result of key public health and health system indicators continuing to improve, Ontario is cautiously and gradually easing public health and safety measures.

In light of this, and in consideration of the important role that essential care partners (ECPs) play in a patient’s wellness and recovery, BCHS is updating its guidelines for visitors. As of March 1, we will no longer seek verification of vaccination from patients’ ECPs. 

The updated visitor policy is consistent with visitor guidelines in place at neighbouring hospitals located in the greater region of Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant and Burlington.

Other visitor policy guidelines continue to remain in place, including inpatients being permitted to have one ECP at the bedside at a time between the visiting hours of 9am-8pm, with a maximum of two designated ECPs.

“We know how important Essential Care Partners are to our patients, and are pleased that we are in a position to loosen our restrictions so that all ECPs may support their loved ones in hospital”, said Dr. David McNeil, President & CEO. “We continue to encourage everyone in our community to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The COVID-19 vaccine continues to offer strong protection against serious hospitalizations.”

Thank you to our community for your support and continued vigilance against the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19, including your third dose, is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine or to book a vaccine appointment, visit the Brant County Health Unit website. For full details on the current BCHS visitor policy, visit www.bchsys.org/visitors.

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Media Contact:

BCHS Communications & Public Affairs

Communications@bchsys.org

519-751-5544