Toronto-area hospitals are beginning to implement no visitor policies amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Sunnybrook, North York General, Michael Garron and Humber River hospitals, as well as those that are a part of the University Health Network and Scarborough Health Network, were among those affected as of Saturday afternoon.
“This extremely difficult decision was made to protect the safety of patients and healthcare workers,” a tweet from the University Health Network read.
“To keep our patients and staff safe, we are following the Ministry of Health’s recommendations and will no longer allow non-essential visitors at MGH,” a tweet from Michael Garron Hospital said.
Sunnybrook hospital’s no visitor policy was set to take effect Saturday evening and will be in place “until further notice.”
“This includes family members or companions accompanying patients to appointments or procedures,” the hospital’s website said.
“We understand that this is a difficult change for those with loved ones who need to be in the hospital, but it is an important precaution being put in place to ensure the safety of all those at Sunnybrook, including our sickest and most vulnerable patients.”
Outside of Toronto, hospitals under Trillium Health Partners have also implemented similar policies.
Meanwhile, Ontario reported 59 additional cases of COVID-19 in the province Saturday morning, bringing the number of active cases to 368.
Toronto Public Health said there have been 193 confirmed cases in the city, with 10 people hospitalized, and added that there have been instances of community transmission.