Bluewater Health hasn't noticed a spike in visits because of the new coronavirus, but the hospital is prepared just in case.
Chief Nursing Executive Shannon Landry said they're dealing with the typical influenza season, but nothing out of the ordinary.
She said the hospital reviews its pandemic protocols annually which helps in these types of situations.
"One of them is a surge plan where if we have to increase the number of beds, what do we do?," said Landry. "We'll staff them, increase the beds, and make sure that patients who don't need to be in the hospital are discharged and able to go home safely. We ensure that there's education as well. With our pandemic plan right now, we have that ready to go."
Landry said if someone comes into the hospital with a fever, new cough or shortness of breath they're asked if they've travelled recently.
If the answer is yes, they're given a mask and put into isolation so they can be tested.
Lambton Public Health is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus and has said the virus is not circulating locally, and the COVID-19 outbreak level of risk for residents of Lambton County remains low. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure.
We're encouraged to take common-sense precautions like regular hand washing, covering mouths when coughing, and sanitizing surfaces.
