Visiting hours closed due to S.A.R.S. threat

Ken Johnston

If you have a loved one sick in the hospital they will likely not get to see you until they are better.
Due to the recent outbreak of S.A.R.S. (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) world wide Riverside Health Care Facilities announced last week that all hospitals in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances would no longer be allowing visitors into them.
This decision was a result of a directive from the Ontario government that saw a threat to the lives of both patients and health care workers across the province.
The hospitals are allowing in extreme cases, visitors for compassionate reasons, including palliative care, critically ill children or to see someone whose death may be imminent. All of these visitors will be screened before being allowed to enter.
There was also broad cancellation of non-essential services and programs until further notice.
The first symptom of S.A.R.S. is a high fever that begins suddenly. People with the illness may also have chills, headaches, tiredness, sore muscles and sometimes a cough. It eventually can lead to pneumonia which is extremely risky for the elderly.
It is spread when fluids from the nose or mouth of an infected person enters the nose or mouth or eyes of another person. Usually a cough or sneeze can cause that.
It takes 2-10 days for the illness to develop after close contact with a person with S.A.R.S. If you experience the above symptoms or have had contact with a S.A.R.S. patient you should call your doctor or emergency department nearest to you.
More information on S.A.R.S. is available from the Northwestern Health Unit at 1-800-830-5978 or at their website at www.nwhu.on.ca