St. Joseph’s General Hospital Elliot Lake is asking for the public’s assistance to ensure that the Emergency Department remains available for those requiring acute medical care, says Chief Nursing Executive and Acting CEO Connie Free.
She says the department is becoming overwhelmed with individuals seeking COVID-19 testing who are not requiring acute medical care, who are not high risk, and who have mild or no symptoms.
Free adds as of last Friday, COVID-19 testing is only available in the department for symptomatic
high-risk individuals requiring acute medical care, and those who work in the highest risk settings, as well as vulnerable populations.
Others are asked to self-isolate if they are showing symptoms.
Members of the public who have mild symptoms or no symptoms, are not high risk, and do not require immediate medical attention are being asked not to seek COVID-19 testing at the
Emergency Department. Please self-isolate at home and call Public Health for further guidance at 705-759-5404.
or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404 or contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.