Niagara hospitals loosen ER and urgent care centre visitor restrictions

Patients going into emergency departments and urgent care centres in Niagara will now be allowed one person to accompany them.

Niagara Health made the change on Tuesday.

Visitors must still complete a COVID-19 screening, wear a mask, practice physical distancing and wash their hands throughout the visit.

Niagara Health says visiting could be restricted at times if physical distancing becomes a challenge because of high number of patients.

People coming in for clinic visits and other outpatient services are still being asked to come alone.

Those dealing with extenuating circumstances should contact their care provider to discuss other arrangements.

Visiting guidelines for patients admitted to hospital remains at one visitor at a time between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

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