In the wake of the ongoing globalCOVID-19 pandemic Haliburton Highlands Health Services is requestingthat only essential visits are made to its facilities in Minden andHaliburton Village.
“Containment of spread and protectionof our community requires a concerted and coordinated effort fromall” reads a March 16 press release from the organization. “HHHSis working with local regional and provincial partners to ensureevery precautionary step is taken.”
Both its long-term care facilities areclosed to non-essential visitors.
“Steps are being taken at bothHighland Wood and Hyland Crest Homes to ensure families can betterconnect virtually to their loved ones” the release reads.“Activation staff are working to increase the social recreationprogramming for residents in the homes.”
The acute care unit at the Haliburtonfacility is also closed to non-essential visitors and patientscreening is being undertaken at both the Minden and Haliburtonemergency rooms in order to minimize spread of the virus. Entrypoints to both buildings have been minimized to ensure that everyonewho enters receives screening and staff in all programs andlocations are undertaking self-screening on a daily basis.
Additionally HHHS is cancellingon-site group programming for the time being including diabetesself-management workshops; community mental health programs; balancedfitness/fall prevention classes; the adult day program; grief supportgroup; all social recreation drop-in programs; diners' clubs; cancersupport group; and any other gatherings of volunteers or communitymembers.
“HHHS community health serviceproviders . . . will be working with their clients to ensure thattheir needs are met in a safe way through telephone and home visitswhere indicated and possible. Best evidence at this point is to avoidgatherings of potentially at-risk people” the release reads.
“HHHS regrets the postponement ofthese programs however the community programs team is activelyworking across all programs and community partners to ensure thosemost in need have the support they need at this time” it states.
– Staff
