HSC locks down to block virus

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This article was published 16/03/2020 (2043 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre is on lockdown, with some entrances closed and security stations greeting visitors and staff, who have to answer questions and use a hand sanitizer before proceeding.

Starting Sunday, HSC limited the access points to the building due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main entrance on William Avenue is locked and anyone needing access must press a buzzer and tell security why they’re there in order to get the doors unlocked.

Once inside, there are two lines — one for hospital staff and another for visitors — that lead to the elevators to the wards. For visitors, a staff member at the front of the line asks if they’re feeling ill or have travelled internationally recently. If the answer is no to both, the visitor sticks their hands out for a sanitizer and they’re allowed to proceed. If there are multiple visitors for one patient, they’re told only one person can go up at a time and the others must wait on the main floor.

The line for hospital staff is also required to use a hand sanitizer. On Sunday afternoon, there were two security guards informing people of the new rules and directing traffic as well as two hospital staff who were questioning visitors and dishing out the hand sanitizer.

“I have no problem with it at all,” said Marian McConville, 66, who was visiting her husband at HSC Sunday afternoon. “I think it’s a good thing to do. Hopefully, people are honest when they’re asked the questions if they’ve travelled or anything like that.”

Tim Kells, 53, also had no issue with the new system. In fact, he believes it should have been introduced earlier. But for parents visiting a child, Kells said the one visitor at a time rule presents some challenges.

“I got a daughter in there and it’s between me and mom. I’m from Alberta and she lives here so we’ve got to communicate (with each other) somehow. Especially with the doctors, I got my concerns and she has hers. How do we both express our concerns, right?” Kells said.

A spokesman for Shared Health said Monday that special exceptions announced Sunday include allowing two parents or guardians to visit a child at the same time.

 

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31