All elective procedures and non-essential services have been postponed for all hospitals in Grey and Bruce Counties in order to contain the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). These measures will be reassessed before Monday, April 7, 2003.

Hospital restrictions are a positive step in terms of the province’s management of the disease. As Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn states, “Although we can expect to see a rise in cases as the next wave of contact cases is identified, realize that these measures are a pre-emptive move aimed at getting ahead of the disease. Instead of fighting sporadic bush fires, we are throwing a wet blanket over the entire area. We are acting, no longer reacting.”

Grey-Bruce hospitals are now controlling visitor access. If you enter a hospital, you must

1. Wear a surgical mask at all times.
    
2. Report immediately to the reception desk if you have a fever and have
   • visited The Scarborough Hospital - Grace Division, after March 16, 2003, or
   • returned from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam or Singapore in the past 10 days, or
   • had close contact with someone ill with SARS.

Masks are available at hospital emergency entrances.

There have been no identified cases of SARS in Grey or Bruce Counties. However, the Public Health Unit is investigating a number of situations related to SARS.

“For people whose plans have been disrupted by these measures, on behalf of the hospitals, the Public Health Unit, and our health care partners thank you for your understanding and assistance in helping to control this epidemic,” says Dr. Lynn.

For further information visit the Public Health web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

Dr. Hazel Lynn
Medical Officer of Health
Grey Bruce Health Unit
376-9420 and 1-800-263-3456