As we navigate the rapidly changing pandemic, we are always looking to ensure a safe environment for everyone at Southlake. We understand how important visitors are to patients and the role they play in their recovery. Effective June 2, fully-vaccinated visitors will be able to visit patients at one visit per day (out of 2 designated visitors) between the hours of 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Our policy for Designated Care Partners has not changed. Southlake also continues to offer virtual patient visits and telephones in patient rooms are free.
- One visitor per patient will be permitted in the ED at the discretion of staff
Southlake offers virtual visits for those who are unable to visit their loved ones in person. Please speak with your care team about arranging a virtual visit with your family member. A reminder that patient phones are free.
Southlake requires all visitors and Designated Care Partners to be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and identification will be validated during screening. Ontario’s enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code is required, which can be downloaded from the provincial vaccine portal. Please scroll to the bottom of this page for FAQs.
Please note:
- Please advise your care team with the names of two designated visitors
- Visits must be scheduled for a maximum of one hour between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Visitors must wear a medical mask at all times, including in the patient’s room.
- Visitors who feel unwell (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat): please do not visit at this time.
- Visitors are restricted in the Emergency Department based on volume. See below for details.
General guidelines for all visitors
- Visitors must pass a COVID-19 screening assessment each visit.
- ALL VISITORS must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (two doses plus a minimum of fourteen days) and identification for every visit. Ontario’s enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code is required, which can be downloaded from the provincial vaccine portal.
- A negative COVID-19 test is not an exception for proof of vaccination.
- Age for visiting is restricted to 18 years of age and over.
- Stay home if you are sick or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild.
- Mask provided by the hospital MUST stay on at all times. The mask must cover both your mouth and nose.
- Visitors must remain in the patient’s room and avoid walking in hallways or entering unit pantries.
- Clean your hands frequently with hand sanitizer, or soap and water.
- You will be given a visitor sticker to wear which must be visible at all times.
- A maximum of five people are permitted in an elevator at a time.
- Please limit ins and outs. Visitors will be screened each time they enter the hospital.
- COVID-19 suspect/positive patients will not be permitted visitors. Visiting will only be permitted through proactive consultation with hospital Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) specialists and clinical teams.
Emergency Department (ED) visitors
- There are NO in and out privileges for designated visitors in the ED.
- Due to environmental constraints, and physical distancing, seating for visitors cannot be guaranteed. Visitors may be asked to wait in their cars or leave a particular area due to clinic/department volumes and space.
- If your loved one is admitted to hospital as an inpatient, you will NOT be permitted to accompany them to the unit directly from the ED.
Families and Babies
- Click here for visiting information specific to families and babies.
Inpatient visitors
- Please check in and out at the nursing station with every visit.
- Please restrict your presence to the patient’s bedside and maintain physical distancing from the patient.
- Access to the unit pantry is strictly limited to staff only.
Thank you for working together to ensure all our safety during these unprecedented times. In order to keep everyone safe, visitor privileges may be revoked if all guidelines, and infection control practices are not followed.