Public urged to respect and follow Horizon Red Phase protocols while COVID-19 risk remains high

HORIZON – As our health care system continues to cope with critical staffing shortages that are being amplified by the ongoing impact of COVID-19, Horizon is urging the public to respect and follow the Red Phase protocols that remain in place in all our facilities.

Being mindful of these restrictions is critically important in order to reduce the risk of transmission in our facilities, while protecting our vulnerable patients, staff and the overall operation of our fragile health care system.

As of today, a total of 250 Horizon staff were unable to report to work after testing positive for COVID-19, while 23 individual units across seven Horizon facilities are in outbreak situations.

This creates further strain on staffing resources which are already stretched to the limit, including in high-traffic areas such as our Emergency Departments, where patients and clients are experiencing long wait times due to the ongoing pressures of COVID-19.

For anything other than emergency medical needs, we urge the public to reserve the Emergency Department for medical emergencies only, and to explore alternative options for non-urgent cases, such as walk-in clinics, Tele-Care 811, virtual appointments through eVisitNB or consulting with a pharmacist.

In addition, we are asking the public to familiarize themselves with our Red Phase protocols before presenting to our facilities, and to cooperate with and be respectful of our staff as they ensure compliance with these important measures.

Anyone entering a Horizon facility will continue to be screened prior to entry and MUST wear a mask for the entirety of their visit.

Any abuse or harassment of our hard-working health care staff WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Horizon anticipates these measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future, with the anticipated arrival of a sixth wave of COVID-19.

Following these measures is a simple, easy way for the public to help protect our heath care system and ensuring services like elective surgeries and outpatient appointments can continue to be offered without disruption.

Horizon would like to offer sincere thanks to those who have cooperated with our restrictions over the course of the pandemic, and we – like you – look forward to the day when we can safely remove them.

For complete information on Horizon’s pandemic restrictions, please visit horizonnb.ca/coronavirus-covid-19/

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