Get tested for virus, says RMH, with just one symptom or if you're at risk

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued expanded guidance on Ontario’s testing strategy to provide COVID-19 testing for:

• All people with at least one symptom of COVID-19, even if mild symptoms
• Asymptomatic people have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
• Asymptomatic people who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their employment

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre phone lines are open from 8a.m.-4p.m. daily.

Call the RMH COVID-19 Assessment Centre if you meet any of the above criteria at 705-328-6217. Testing takes place at the Lindsay Exhibition, at 354 Angeline St. S, from 9:30-5:30 daily.

Community members are encouraged to call to book a same-day appointment. Individuals without appointments can be tested at the centre, but may experience wait times. You can check your lab results at ontario.ca/coronavirus.

COVID-19 symptoms can include:
• Fever/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion • Difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained fatigue
• Unexplained headache
• Joint/muscle aches
• Loss of taste or smell

Visitor and family presence restrictions

In accordance with Ministry of Health guidance, Ontario hospitals, including RMH, continue to limit visitors and family presence.

• The Emergency Departments asks that patients visit unaccompanied, unless a support person is essential, or the patient is a minor. Only one support person/family member will be permitted under these circumstances.
• For inpatients, visitors are restricted with exceptions only for patients who are dying/very ill; visiting a patient undergoing surgery; or visiting/accompanying a women giving birth. Only one visitor will be permitted and visiting must be pre-arranged by contacting the unit directly.

Whenever possible, use technology to connect with your loved one. If the patient does not have access to a smartphone or tablet of their own, you can arrange a Virtual Visit video call by contacting 705-324-6111 ext. 5268 (please leave a message).

Hospital Services

The Province has issued a framework for planning to resume previously postponed surgeries and procedures. RMH is in the planning phase and is assessing ability to gradually and thoughtfully resume some surgeries and services, while maintaining appropriate supplies of Personal Protective Equipment and capacity.

Hospitals will need to work together regionally before resuming services, and must be prepared to ramp back down should the number of patients who require acute care due to COVID-19 increase. 

Cloth masks needed

As RMH prepares to gradually resume some services, it will need more cloth masks to provide to patients and essential visitors. If you are available to sew and donate cloth masks, please follow the guidelines here: https://foundation.rmh.org/foundation-news-releases/donating-homemade-masks. The hospital thanks all those who have donated cloth masks so far.