Responding to COVID-19
Masks
Effective April 4, 2024, masks are not universally required at Waypoint.
In inpatient settings, masks will only be required for the following:
• When the patient is in additional precautions; or
• A point of care risk assessment identifies the need for a mask; or
• You are providing direct care to a patient. Direct care means you will be 6 feet or closer to the
patient and will be directly interacting with the patient. Examples include assisting with ADL
or completing a set of vital signs, completing an assessment, etc.
In outpatient settings, masks will no longer be required when interacting with patients unless a point of care risk assessment identifies there is a risk that requires the use of a mask (for example the patient is coughing).
The hospital remains mask-friendly. Masks are available and can be worn at any time.
Outbreak Update
In consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, outbreaks were declared on the following:
* Enteric outbreak declared on the Bayview Program – April 3, 2024
* Respiratory (non-COVID) outbreak declared on the Georgianwood Program – April 8, 2024
Visits are suspended on programs in outbreak. Please contact the program to arrange a virtual visit.
Guiding Principles for Visitors
* While in general, visits do not need to be pre-arranged, it is recommended to contact the program
social worker to let them know of the visit. Without prior visit arrangements, the visit may
be delayed and/or may not be able to occur.
* In general, visiting hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily throughout Waypoint. Visiting hours
may vary on different programs. Visitors should contact the program they are planning to visit to
confirm specific visiting hours (where applicable), as there are activities and programs occurring
throughout the day that patients may choose to attend.
* Patients are allowed up to four (4) visitors at one time. Special arrangements to have more visitors
may be made in advance with appropriate staff.
* No more than four (4) visitors are allowed on the program at one time.
* Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell.
* Homemade and/or cultural foods are permitted and all food for patient consumption must be
consumed during the visit. Waypoint is not able to accommodate the storage and/or handling of
leftovers and these must be taken home by the visitor.
For more information on visiting, please contact the hospital at 705.549.3181 or 1.877.341.4729 and speak a member of the care team. You may also visit our Visitor Page for more information.
Screening for illness
Everyone must self-screen before entering the building. Staff must self-screen daily at the beginning of their shift - by entering the building you are attesting that you have self-screened.
Screening questions:
* Do you have any of the following four (4) symptoms not related to known allergies or other
chronic conditions: fever and/or chills, cough, shortness of breath, decrease or loss of taste or smell?
AND/OR
* Two or more of the following new or worsening symptoms: runny nose/nasal congestion,
headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches/joint pain, nausea/vomiting
and/or diarrhea?
Click here for a poster of the Screening Protocol.
Visitor Vaccination Requirements
Proof of vaccination for visitors is no longer required.