Brampton Civic, Peel Memorial drop COVID-19 vaccination rules

Hospitals in Brampton are changing their requirements around proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for visitors.

As of Tuesday (July 12), William Osler Health System says visitors and Essential Care Partners (ECPs) at Brampton Civic and Peel Memorial are no longer required to show proof of vaccination.

Osler will require all visitors to schedule their visits through Osler’s online visitation portal.

The health system, which also oversees operations at Etobicoke General, says its screening “has shifted from active to passive,” meaning visitors and ECPs at all Osler facilities must self-screen for COVID-19 “or any flu-like symptoms and not come to the hospital if they are sick.”

While Osler’s screening rules have changed, the health system’s masking policy for visitors and care workers will remain in place until further notice.

“Wearing a hospital-issued mask while at Osler will continue to be mandatory for all staff, physicians, volunteers, patients and visitors before entering Osler’s facilities to ensure everyone’s ongoing safety,” Osler said.

Osler asks that anyone planning to see a patient in hospital should not visit if you feel unwell with either a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms, or if you have been in contact with someone who is self-isolating or has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

All visitors will be:

• required to wear a mask, clean your hands frequently and maintain physical distance of two metres from others when possible
• ECPs assisting with direct care needs could be asked to implement additional precautions
• required not to eat or drink, even when in the patient’s room, as this involves removing your mask
• asked to go to the unit or clinic directly and not visit other areas of the building

For more information on Osler’s visitor and ECP rules visit www.williamoslerhs.ca.