Niagara Health is implementing a no-visitors policy effective today at 8 p.m. as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment for our patients.
“We understand how difficult these decisions can be for our patients and families,” said Derek McNally, Executive Vice President of Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive for Niagara Health. “This is a necessary measure to protect the health and well-being of our patients, reduce traffic in the hospital, and practice social distancing.”
To support the ability of patients to keep in contact with their loved ones, Niagara Health will provide all patients with free WiFi, telephone and television service beginning Friday, March 20.
Limited exceptions for visitors will be made on a case-by-case basis. We expect these restrictions will be in place for several weeks and will provide updates.
Those visitors or support people permitted on-site must be:
- 16 years of age or older
- Screened for COVID-19 upon entry to the hospital
- Asymptomatic with no recent travel outside of Canada
Essential personal items may be dropped off at any of the hospitals at the following locations and times:
| Site | Entrance/Exit for Visitor/Support Person |
| St. Catharines Site | Main entrance (6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.) |
| Welland Site | Main entrance (6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.) |
| Greater Niagara General Site | Main entrance (6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.) |
| Port Colborne Site | Urgent Care Centre entrance (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) |
| Douglas Memorial Site | Main entrance (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) |
Niagara Health apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this new guideline and appreciates the support of the community as we work to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and maintain a safe environment.
Helpful resources
- Niagara Health Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19
- Niagara Region Public Health
- Public Health Agency of Canada information on Coronaviruses
- Government of Ontario - Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOv)
- Latest travel advice
- Tips to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness
Please check back regularly for updates related to the hospital’s COVID-19 response.
