Status Report: Horizon Health Network September 22, 2021 Operations and Services during the Fourth Wave of COVID-19 With the recent increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions, particularly ICU admissions, in New Brunswick, Horizon Health Network is closely monitoring its health care system, particularly its capacity to care for urgent and emergency cases. This report will be updated only when/if the situation evolves. Enhanced visitor restrictions Effective Wednesday, Sept. 22 only those who are fully vaccinated (proof of immunization required) against COVID-19 will be permitted to visit a Horizon hospital or health care facility. This does not apply to patients. Further guidelines apply to visitors from outside the Atlantic provinces and the Avignon and Témiscouata counties and Listuguj First Nation in Quebec. Click here for a detailed overview of our guidelines for general visitation. Active screening continues for patients and visitors All patients, clients and visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and asked a series of questions upon entry to our facilities. It’s important to be honest when answering these questions so we can stop the spread of COVID-19. We have updated patient and visitor screening questions. Occupancy Rates and Hospital Capacity The occupancy rate for each of our five regional hospitals is high (above 85%), and our health care teams and physicians are constantly reviewing admissions and discharges to ensure we have space to care for urgent and emergency cases. Services While staffing remains a concern and occupancy rates are high, at this time we are able to maintain all current services, including surgical and outpatient services. If you have a medical emergency, our emergency departments remain open. For non-urgent medical needs, please visit sowhywait.ca, or contact your primary health care provider or nearest after-hours clinic. COVID-19 Testing Capacity With the recent spike in cases, our COVID-19 Assessment Centres are experiencing an increase in testing requests. We ask everyone to please be patient as our teams across the province work diligently to ensure everyone requiring a test is seen. We are prioritizing urgent requests, such as those who are close contacts with confirmed positive cases and those who are symptomatic. Urgent requests should be booked within 24 hours; others may wait a few days to receive an appointment. We have increased hours of operation and are exploring alternative testing options to increase capacity. We are working to onboard or redeploy upwards of 300 staff members to fulfill the COVID-19 testing and vaccination demands in our province. Reminder: To request an appointment, visit gnb.ca/coronavirus or call Tele-Care 811. Please visit HorizonNB.ca and follow us on our social media channels for up-to-date information.Thank you for your cooperation as we protect the safety of our patients, clients, staff and communities.