COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus. Symptoms range from mild (like the flu and other common respiratory infections) to severe. The most common symptoms include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • difficulty breathing
  • muscle aches
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • sore throat
  • runny nose

The health and safety of our patients is Runnymede Healthcare Centre’s top priority, and we have implemented protective measures that exceed our health authorities’ recommendations. We continue to monitor the evolving situation and will post updates to our blog as new information becomes available.

For more information about COVID-19 please visit:

 

What happens if there is a COVID-19 patient at Runnymede?

  • Public Health is immediately notified and will provide direction
  • The patient should already be on droplet/contact precautions. This patient will be transferred to a private room with a private washroom (if not already in this accommodation)
  • If the symptoms are mild and the patient is stable enough to stay at Runnymede Healthcare Centre, they will be managed here
  • If the patient’s symptoms worsen and the patient requires a higher level of care, they will be transferred to acute care
  • We will contact all patients/family members as needed if potential or confirmed COVID-19 exposure has occurred

 

What can patients do during this time?

To continue to keep patients and staff safe, all patients are being asked to follow these guidelines:

  • Please maintain a safe social distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others at all times
  • Please remain on your floor
  • Please do not visit other patients in their rooms
  • Refrain from going to the cafeteria or other public areas
  • For patients who must leave to smoke, please maintain a safe social distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others and do not visit with anyone outside.

For more information please read:

 

Screening at our main entrance

We are actively screening for potential risk of COVID-19 with everyone who comes to our hospital to ensure the safety and well-being of patients and staff.

 

Rapid COVID-19 Testing for Patients

To support early detection of COVID-19 cases, and to implement immediate outbreak and preventative measures that keep our patients safe and healthy; Runnymede has implemented rapid COVID-19 testing using ID NOW™ analyzers.

For more information on rapid testing, and how it will support enhanced patient care and safety, please click here to view the Rapid COVID-19 Testing FAQ.

 

In-person visiting

Currently, we are prioritizing visits with our patients who have been at Runnymede for 14 days or more.

Patients who are eligible for visits may have a scheduled one-hour visit per day from a single designated visitor (or designated alternative). Up to two visits will be permitted per patient per week, and visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

Visits will take place outside, in the back garden. If weather does not permit an outdoor visit, or if the patient is unable to leave their room, the visit will take place in the patient room.

Find out more by reading our information sheet for visitors.

If you have a family member at Runnymede and you are interested in scheduling an in-person visit, please call 416-762-7316 ext. 2281, or email visiting@runnymedehc.ca.

We are not permitting any in-person visits for patients who are COVID-positive or are suspected to have COVID-19. We understand this may be distressing for patients and families but this difficult decision was made to limit the transmission of the virus.

 

Staying connected with loved ones

Runnymede has implemented a few ways for patients and their loved ones to stay in touch during this challenging time:

  • Free Wi-Fi – Patients can use their own device (smart phone, tablet, etc.) and connect to the hospital Wi-Fi to make phone or video calls.
  • Access to devices – iPods and iPads are available for patients who would like to conduct a video call and do not have their own device.

 

Requesting devices to make video calls to loved ones

Patients and families can request a device to video call their loved one, provided they don’t have their own device.

  • Patients – Speak to a member of your care team about requesting a device
  • Families and friends – Please contact our activation department at 416-762-7316 ext. 2224

 

Delivering food or personal items

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are restricting personal items and food that can be brought into the hospital, to reduce the potential of the virus to spread.

To help ensure safety of our patients, food delivered to the hospital by friends or family must meet the following criteria:

  • It must be ready-to-eat
  • It must be in an individually packaged single serving
  • It must be in a disposable container labelled with the patient’s name and room number

Food items that meet the above criteria can be dropped off at Runnymede’s main entrance between 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and 4:30-5:30 p.m. daily.

If you have any questions about our policy regarding deliveries to the hospital, please contact our patient relations team at patient.relations@runnymedehc.ca or call 416-762-7316, ext. 2119.