April 22, 2022 – The Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team (GW OHT) is urging residents to do what they can to limit the spread of COVID-19
Members of the GW OHT (including area hospitals, primary care, long-term care, and community health services) are experiencing high rates of absenteeism and staffing shortages. The sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is putting pressure on local healthcare facilities. GW OHT is asking the public to please keep that in mind when it comes to our strained health care system. The group urges people to be kind to health care staff who are working tirelessly to keep up with the needs of our community.
To support our collective efforts to keep our staff and community safe from COVID-19, core partners of the GW OHT are committing to require masks to be worn by patients, visitors, and staff for the foreseeable future. GW OHT core partners are also committing to continue to require that staff remain up to date on their vaccinations.
The community is encouraged to be part of the solution:
– Get vaccinated and stay up to date on recommended doses, including COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. People aged 60 and older can receive a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
– Wear a mask indoors.
– Stay home when sick.
– Ensure indoor gatherings are in well-ventilated areas or spend time outside.
GW OHT advises the continued use of the best available mask to you. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 is advised to not gather with others and should instead self-isolate. Click here to view common symptoms associated with COVID-19.
“After two years of lockdowns and public health measures, we understand people are experiencing pandemic fatigue,” says Rob Mungham, Patient Advisor and Co-Chair of the GW OHT Patient Family Advisory Committee (PFAC). “However, wearing a mask and keeping your vaccinations up to date are the most important ways you can support our health care system and ensure there is health care available for you and your loved ones when it is needed most.”