With the results of some tests still pending, an outbreak at Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare in Windsor has grown to include 23 people now.
A statement from the hospital said 17 healthcare workers on the third floor of its rehabilitation tower have tested positive, along with six patients.
Admissions to its inpatient restorative care programs have been halted, and transfers to long-term care facilities are on pause.
The hospital will reassess those actions every 24 hours.
All COVID-19 positive patients are also being cohorted on the third floor of the rehabilitation unit.
The outbreak has not impacted outpatient and mental health programs, but patients and clients are required to wear face masks at all times while in the hospital.
"It is important to note that Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare is, and remains, a safe place for outpatient and mental health visits," said the statement. "During this difficult time, services at this time will not look the same. Individuals should expect delays and should anticipate they are expected to wear an approved mask."
Those experiencing a mental health crisis, who are over the age of 16 and cannot safely wait for community mental health and addiction support, are asked to access help at the Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Care Centre at 1400 Windsor Avenue. The hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Regional Children's Centre has single session counselling available through its Walk-In Counselling Clinic. It is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the last check-in at 6:30 p.m. On Friday, it is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last check-in at 3 p.m.
Those patients who require a family member for their care will be allowed just one visitor, and the relative will have to follow all instructions given by staff. The hospital anticipates only a small number of patients will need a family member present.
