COVID-19 information and updates

*For the most up-to-date information and news, please visit Public Health Ontario here.

General COVID-19 Information:

Where do I find the most current information about the Renfrew County vaccination rollout?

For up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout and details about how to book an appointment if you are eligible, please visit the Renfrew County and District Health Unit website.

What is my next step if  I think I may have COVID-19?

Complete the Government of Ontario’s online COVID-19 self-assessment tool. If testing is recommended, access Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre’s online booking system here or call the 24/7 phone line at 1-844-727-6404 .

How can I protect myself and my family from COVID-19?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands with soap
• Cover you cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand
• Stay home if you are sick
• Practice physical distancing
• Wear a mask or face covering in enclosed public spaces
• Get vaccinated

The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre:

What is the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre?

The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (VTAC)  is a pandemic healthcare service that helps to reduce the demand on Emergency Departments and provide residents, who do not have a family physician or cannot access their family physician, with the appropriate level of care when they have any health concern (including concerns related to COVID-19).

VTAC also delivers COVID-19 testing in the community (i.e. drive-thru testing clinics).

Who can access it?

Any resident.

How can I access VTAC?

• For a physician assessment, call 1-844-727-6404
• For COVID-19 testing, access online booking here. If you cannot access the online system, call 1-844-727-6404 to book your COVID-19 test.
• Have your OHIP card ready

Where can I learn more?

Visit www.rcvtac.ca

Clinical services impact:

Which ARH programs, clinics etc. are currently closed due to COVID-19?

Clinical services and community programs are currently open with safety measures in place.

Visitor information:

Can I visit my loved one in the Hospital ?

Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, visitors to the Hospital’s Inpatient Unit are not permitted at this time. Exceptions for essential caregivers will be considered and must be approved by the clinical team. This is in alignment with all hospitals in our region.

Is there a mandatory vaccination policy for Hospital visitors and essential caregivers?

As part of our ongoing efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of our patients, Arnprior Regional Health, along with other hospitals in the Champlain region, has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy for our Hospital visitors and essential caregivers effective October 15, 2021.

Under the new policy, all Hospital visitors and essential caregivers will need to be fully vaccinated (at least 14 days since the second dose) in order to enter the Hospital, unless they qualify under one of the following exceptions:

• Individuals under the age of 12.
• Those who clearly indicate they have a medical exemption.
• Individuals visiting patients at the end-of-life.
• Parents of children who are receiving care.
• Individuals who are essential to accompany patients to appointments or participate in care planning discussions.
• Other critical or urgent circumstances requiring family presence.

In alignment with the new Ontario vaccination passport system, visitors and essential caregivers will be required to show proof of vaccination along with photo identification.

Download your vaccination receipt here.

Can I visit my loved one at the Grove?

We have implemented the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s Temporary Enhanced Measures in response to the Omicron variant.

General visitors:

At this time, general visitors are not permitted.

Designated caregivers:

• Residents can designate a maximum of two caregivers (unless more than two caregivers were already designated prior to December 14^th).
• Effective December 20, to gain entry to the home, caregivers must show proof of their first dose as of December 20th and by February 21, 2022 to show proof of all required doses. **Caregivers designated after December 14th are required to be fully vaccinated to gain entry to the home.
• Complete regular COVID-19 rapid tests on site at the Grove
• Pass active screening and have temperature taken before entering the home
• Must always wear a medical procedure mask during visits
• Can only visit family member (not other residents)
• Can have physical contact with loved one, but must maintain a two-metre distance from all other residents and staff

*Read the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s Enhanced Measures Document here.

Coming to ARH and active screening:

If I’m coming to the Hospital, do I need a mask?

Yes. All individuals coming to the Hospital will be provided with a medical procedure mask that they will need to wear during their visit.

Is ARH actively screening at entrances?

At both the Grove Nursing Home and the Hospital, we are actively screening everyone (including staff) upon arrival at each open entrance in order to best protect our patients, residents, clients and staff.

Print and complete the screening form ahead of your visit here. The form will also be available upon arriving at the entrance.

What are my next steps if I failed active screening?

You must self-isolate and if you meet the current eligibility criteria, please book a PCR test.

Management of COVID-19 in hospital and Grove:

What happens if an ARH patient or resident is screened positive for COVID-19?

Any patient or resident who is screened positive for COVID-19 will be placed on additional precautions and testing will be completed.

Hospital parking:

How has parking at the hospital been impacted?

COVID-19 Public Resources:

Public Health Ontario resources

How to practice social distancing