With COVID-19 conditions relaxed, picture ‘much clearer’ ahead for Oakville, Milton hospitals

While many Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills residents have already put COVID-19 in the review mirror, the contagious disease is not done yet as a threat and thousands of people are still dying from the virus around the world.

The World Health Organization announced earlier this year that the coronavirus pandemic that killed upwards of seven million people worldwide and resulted in massive lockdowns and economic damage is no longer a global emergency, which comes three years after the UN health agency first declared a crisis.

Still cases continue to be reported and patients are being cared for at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Milton District Hospital and Georgetown Hospitals.

Halton Healthcare continues to have a number of protocols in place to protect patients, staff and volunteers from the spread of COVID-19.

In the 2023 annual report recently released by the health unit, Oakville Trafalgar and Milton District helped 6,400 people with COVID-19 related symptoms between March 1, 2020 and April 17, 2023.

Between March of 2020 and March 21, 2021, local hospitals cared for 2,821 COVID-19 patients.

“As many of the conditions once in place from the pandemic have been relaxed, we have a much clearer picture of the way forward and we’re working to respond in those areas where our communities need us most,” the Halton Healthcare leadership team – led by Chair, Board of Directors Richard Nunn, Interim President & CEO Hilary Rodriques and Chief of Staff Dr. David McConachie – said in its annual report.

“We’re poised to once again exchange smiles between colleagues, patients and families as we react to evolving public health guidelines allowing for more choices based on personal health and comfort levels.”

According to the healthcare unit’s annual report, local hospitals had 237,659 COVID-19 testing centre visits between March 2020 and January of this year, while receiving 16,895 virtual visits between March 1, 2020 and Apr. 17 of this year.

Halton Healthcare administered 195,276 vaccine doses between December 2020 and May 2, 2022.

Mask protocols have been lifted at all three local hospitals with patients and visitors now having the choice to wear a face mask. Face mask dispensers continue to be available at all main entrances for those who prefer to wear one.

Between June 29 and July 5, the rate of new hospitalizations among COVID-19 cases (seven-day moving average) was 0.6 per cent, according to Halton Region.

The most recent COVID-19 outbreak was reported at the Allendale Long Term Care Home in Milton on June 28 of this year.