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The Ottawa Hospital will adopt a “no visitors” policy Saturday as part of its “evolving response” to the COVID-19 outbreak, the hospital confirmed Friday morning.

Details of the new policy to protect patients and staff will be posted on its website later Friday and “care teams will work with family regarding visits for exceptional circumstances on a compassionate and equitable basis,” the hospital said.

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Meanwhile, as of Friday, visitors are only allowed at the east-end Montfort Hospital for “compassionate reasons” or as an accompanying person for births due amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The hospital is safe for patients,” it said Thursday, adding that the emergency room remains open.

Some services are still operating so patients who have not been called to cancel an appointment will be asked questions when they arrive and are asked to don a mask if necessary and wash their hands before proceeding. Screening criteria may change without notice.