A record COVID-19 daily case count for Simcoe-Muskoka has not translated into extra patients at the Barrie hospital, at least not yet.
However, hospital officials in Barrie are bracing for the worst as COVID-19 case counts continue to rise.
“Right now with the high case load in the community we’ve seen a little bit more COVID, but we’re still 16 patients in the hospital, three in the ICU (intensive care unit),” said Dr. Chris Martin, an emergency and intensive-care physician at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre.
Martin said since the start of the pandemic the hospital has seen a lag in any increases in the number of cases reported and the number of people in hospital.
It’s also unclear how the latest variant, Omicron, will impact the hospital as it spreads quickly through the community. On Wednesday, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reported 197 new COVID-19 cases, the largest increase in cases reported locally in a single day since the onset of the pandemic.
That does impact the hospital and the intensive care unit with staff suddenly becoming unavailable because of family members’ exposures or other concerns.
Given an elevated level of fatigue nearly two years into the pandemic, there are concerns over increased demands upon the hospital and its staff.
“We hope the high vaccination rates and people getting their third shots will make the majority of those cases mild and not even need hospitalization,” said Martin, adding there is potential for a surge early in the New Year.
In addition, he is encouraging people to keep gatherings small and scaled down and as safe as possible.
“A celebration and seeing your family is important, but not at the expense of someone in your family getting sick,” Martin said.
For those who need medical attention over the holidays, he suggested an initial outreach to primary care providers or walk-in clinics. The RVH emergency department is also an option.
Although visitors are not currently permitted in the emergency department, with some exceptions. For those who are unsure, Telehealth Ontario is another option at 1-866-797-0000.
