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COVID-19: Latest Updates   |   Notice: Children's Entrance Closed   |  Delays: University Ave.

COVID-19 Updates

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Keep patients safe. Safety measures still in effect. Including masking, distancing, visitor limiting, screening, testing and cleaning.

Your safety is our biggest priority

At IWK Health because of the patients and families we serve, we continue to require enhanced measures even as the provincial COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are eased. These ongoing measures remain in place to ensure safety for all as we continue to navigate reopening. They may include pre-screening before your appointment or admission, door screening on arrival, masking when you come on site, testing when you’re admitted, and limits on the number of support persons who can come with you.

If you have questions before your arrival about your appointment or admission, you may contact your health care team directly.

Latest support person limits

There are differences in the physical layout where care is being provided. These differences impact our ability to practice appropriate physical distancing therefore we have taken a location-by-location approach to support person limits. 

Children & Youth
Emergency Department
6
Six support people
Pandemic Response Unit
2
Two support people
Pediatric Ambulatory (Outpatient) Appointments
3
Three support people
Pediatric Blood Collection
3
Three support people
Pediatric Day Surgery Appointments
3
Three support people
Pediatric Diagnostic Imaging (including MRI undergoing anesthesia)
3
Three support people
Pediatric Inpatients
6
Six support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
Pediatric Inpatients
confirmed COVID-positive
2
Two support people
Pediatric Maritime Medical Genetics
3
Three support people
Mental Health & Addictions
Ambulatory Clinics
2
Two support people (exception for interventions requiring more)
Adolescent Intensive Services
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
Children’s Intensive Services
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
Secure Care Unit
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
Garron Centre
4
Four support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
Women/Adult & Newborn
Ambulatory (Outpatient) Clinics
2
Two support people
Birth Unit
6
Six support people (a doula is considered a support person)
Blood Collection Lab
2
Two support people
Breast Health Clinic
2
Two support people
Breast Imaging & Biopsy
(IWK 6th floor)
2
Two support people
Breast Screening
(Halifax Shopping Center, Dartmouth and Cobequid)
2
Two support people
Dartmouth Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinic
2
Two support people
Diagnostic Imaging
(MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Bone Density)
2
Two support people
Diagnostic Imaging - Ultrasound
2
Two support people
Early Labour & Assessment Unit
2
Two support people
Early Pregnancy Complication Clinic
2
Two support people
Family Newborn Care Unit
6
Parent, baby + 6 support people
Fetal Assessment & Treatment Centre
2
Two support people (children under 12 not permitted due to safety concerns)
Inpatients confirmed COVID-positive
2
Two support people
Maritime Medical Genetics
2
Two support people
Midwifery Clinic
2
Two support people
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
6
Six support people (only 2 at bedside at one time)
Obstetrical Day Unit
2
Two support people
Obstetrical Ultrasound
2
Two support people (children under 12 not permitted due to safety concerns)
OR / Pre-Admission Clinic
2
Two support people
Perinatal Centre
2
Two support people
Perinatal Follow Up Clinic
2
Two support people
Perioperative Clinic
2
Two support people
Postpartum Clinic
2
Parent, baby + 2 support person
Prenatal Special Care Unit
6
Six support people
Surgery Inpatients
6
Six support people

 

Patients and support persons who have recently been positive for COVID-19

At IWK Health, patients and support persons will be considered COVID recovered only at least 10 full days after the date symptoms started or after the date of a positive test.

Patients and caregivers are asked to please let care teams know if they have recently tested positive and are still within the 10-day timeframe. If a support person is still within the 10-day time period, we ask that you please choose an alternate support person who is not currently positive for COVID-19.

While in a community setting, Nova Scotia Public Health guidance regarding COVID-19 isolation applies.

 

Important reminders for all patients and support people:

  • All family/support persons or family caregivers will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, exposures or known positive tests upon arrival to the IWK.
  • Any family member/support person who meets current screening criteria will not be permitted entry.
  • As of Thursday, October 12, 2023 Masks will be required in IWK Health public spaces and ambulatory care spaces. 
  • All family/support persons or family caregivers must go directly to and from the patient’s room or visit location and should remain there for the duration of the visit.
  • Family/support persons or family caregivers may go directly outside for fresh air/walks when self-isolation is not required for any reason for the support person (they may accompany patients who are not on Additional Precautions at the discretion of their healthcare team). Physical distancing from other patients, staff, visitors must be maintained while outside of the IWK, and external public facilities should not be visited. 

The IWK encourages the public to continue to do the things that keep themselves and their families healthy and well. This includes seeking support for time-sensitive care and for any concerning symptoms or issues that may arise.

Please continue to have your child vaccinated according to schedule.

Please continue to attend well-child visits or contact your primary care provider or pediatrician if there are concerns about things like development, feeding or growth.

If your child has acute or chronic health issues and there are new or worsening symptoms or issues, there are a number of options: 

  • Please contact your primary care provider, pediatrician or specialist providing care for your child to arrange virtual or if needed, onsite care.
  • The IWK Emergency Department is open 24/7 should you need to bring your child in for emergency care. Extra precautions have been taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. Patients are screened upon arrival and may be asked to wear a mask. Patients with possible infections are separated from those coming to the Emergency Department for other reasons. Strict infection prevention and control measures are in place to keep patients and families safe.