The Easter Long Weekend is here and, unfortunately, so is the sixth wave of COVID-19 in Ontario with cases increasing across the province.
And, it’s impacting our frontline healthcare workers. After two years of being there for us to fight the pandemic, our staff are tired. They are also off work more than ever due to the virus.
Between 100 to 200 staff and physicians are off each day due to testing positive for COVID-19 or due to being a close contact of a known case. This is because the virus is so prevalent in our community.
At the same time, we are also seeing more people coming to our Emergency Department for care.
As you can imagine, this puts pressure on the hospital and on how we deliver health care services. It delays appointments, impacts clinics and means longer wait times when you come to the hospital.
We need your help to try and bring the number of cases down in our communities.
- Wear a mask when out in the community. Masking continues to be a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
- Get vaccinated and get boosted when you’re eligible. Vaccines are safe and an important tool in reducing the spread of the virus.
- Avoid large gatherings of unmasked people.
- If your medical needs are not urgent, visit a walk-in clinic, book an appointment with your family doctor, or use Telehealth Ontario.
That being said, if you have urgent medical needs, please come to the Emergency Department. We’re here for emergencies and triage patients based on their medical needs.
Finally, if you are coming to HSN, please be patient with our staff and physicians. They are tired and are doing all they can to help you and your family.
It’s been a long pandemic and your kindness and compassion goes along way.