The North Bay Regional Health Centre will be screening all patients and visitors before entering the building.
The hospital sent out a release around 2 p.m. revealing the new measures.
"In an effort to keep our hospital safe, today the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) announced it will be screening all patients and visitors and restricting access at the 50 College Drive location in North Bay," the release stated.
Effective tonight at 8 p.m., and until further notice, public access to the 50 College Drive location will only be available at the Emergency Department entrance.
Hospital officials say patients and visitors will be screened before entry for respiratory illnesses (including COVID-19).
"Active screening is necessary to keep our patients, staff, and physicians safe while also identifying those individuals with symptoms and travel history or possible exposure to a COVID-19 positive case," stated the release.
"The Health Centre continues full operations with all inpatient and outpatient services running as usual. Unless advised otherwise, please continue to attend your scheduled appointments and surgeries. The community is asked to avoid visiting the hospital and to limit the number of people accompanying patients to appointments or to the Emergency Department."
Hospital officials say to date, there are no COVID-19 positive cases at the hospital.
The Hospital suggests if a community member suspects they may have been exposed to COVID-19, they are asked to phone the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 ext 5229 to speak to public health nurse, or call their health care provider to await instruction.
"If you have COVID 19 suspicions and require emergency services (911), please inform them during the call so the proper precautions can be taken before their arrival," the release continued.
NBRHC will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and adapt as necessary to provide a safe environment for our patients, staff, physicians and community.
