Statement from Eric Vandewall, President & CEO and Dr. Ian Preyra, Chief of Staff

Posted on Friday March 11, 2022

On March 9th, the Province announced that it would be lifting COVID-19 masking requirements in many indoor public settings beginning March 21, following on the lifting of capacity limits and proof of vaccination requirements in all indoor public settings on March 1st.

As we emerge from this most recent wave of the pandemic, individual organizations and municipalities will respond to and manage these new measures differently – some may choose to adopt current practices, while others may take a more careful and measured approach depending on local conditions and the populations that they serve.

While key indicators such as COVID-19 hospitalizations and admission rates to critical care have dropped significantly over the past few weeks, the Pandemic is not over. The public policy decisions taken by municipal governments in the weeks ahead in response to the decisions made by the Province, will have a significant impact on the course of the Pandemic. It is difficult to forecast with certainty what the impact of these decisions will be. The lifting of public health measures by provincial and local governments is at the end of the day, a judgement call.

Hospitals are not bound by public policy decisions unless directed by the provincial government. Our decisions are rooted in data, evolving science, and evidence-based best practice. This is what we do know:

  • COVID-19 remains transmissible to vulnerable individuals receiving care in healthcare settings.
  • More outpatient therapies have been approved for early treatment; however, access and supply are currently limited.
  • Completion of the full vaccination series offers strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization.
  • Reducing contacts, hand hygiene, and appropriate masking, will reduce transmission.

Mask mandates are public policy decisions, made by provincial and municipal governments; however, hospitals have the discretion to establish their own guidelines and review them on an ongoing basis, as described in this statement from the Ontario Hospital Association.    

As always, our top priority is to ensure the highest level of safety possible for everyone. Given the ongoing uncertainty with Omicron and its impact on health system capacity, Joseph Brant Hospital will continue to require that all patients, essential care providers, and visitors wear a hospital-issued, medical grade mask while in the hospital.  

We have followed very clear infection prevention and control (IPAC) recommendations from the Province’s Medical Officer of Health throughout the pandemic – at times exceeding the minimum guidance to better protect our patients, visitors, healthcare workers and volunteers. This commitment is unwavering.

We appreciate the community’s understanding of the difficult decisions that we had to make throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.

JBH is doing everything possible to prioritize the resumption of urgent surgeries and to get our operating rooms back to full capacity. This significant undertaking will not happen in a manner that compromises health and safety, in any way.  

Please take care, stay safe, and be well.

 

 

 

Contact Us: