LHSC introduces new rules for visiting patients amid COVID-19

The London Health Sciences Centre announced new restrictions for visitors Friday to protect staff, patients and their families from COVID-19.

Officials said the changes are in keeping with a directive from the Ministry of Health to deal with the evolving situation involving the coronavirus.

Visiting is now limited to one essential visitor per patient and that person must be age 18 or older. No other visitors will be permitted.

The guidelines for an essential visitor are:

• One visitor of a patient who is dying or very ill
• One parent/guardian of an ill child or youth
• One visitor of a patient undergoing surgery on that day
• One support person for a woman in labour

All visitors will also be subjected to a health screening before being allowed into the hospital.