Further Easing of Visitor Restrictions
Western Health is pleased to advise that there is a further lessening of visitor restrictions at hospitals, long term care homes, health centres and personal care homes. Each patient and visitor may now have multiple visitors throughout the day, however, only two can visit at the same time.
Please note that some areas/units may not be able to accommodate two visitors at the same time due to the space available and the need to maintain physical distancing requirements. In these cases, care teams will work with families to identify visitation options.
Support persons/visitors are advised of the following visitation guidelines:
· COVID-19 Screening: Visitation is not permitted if the support person/visitor is symptomatic (i.e. experiencing any one or more symptoms of COVID-19) or self-isolating (except in specific situations such as labour and delivery and end-of-life visitation and only in consultation with the patient/resident’s care team).
· Proof of vaccination requirements: Visitors to long-term care facilities, and personal care homes are required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination status and ID or an approved medical exemption (until March 15, 2022).
· Mandatory masking: Visitors/support persons must wear a well-fitted medical mask for the duration of their time in our facilities, including while visiting patient/resident rooms. Visitors/support persons can wear their own medical mask or wear a mask provided at the health care facility. Cloth masks are not permitted at this time.
· Perform hand hygiene and maintain physical distancing (two metres/six feet).
In addition, Western Health also advises of upcoming updates to the COVID-19 screening process at point of entry to health-care facilities and hospitals across the region, in line with updated provincial guidelines. Sites will transition from verbal screening by a staff member at point-of-entry to self-screening for visitors/support persons. During the transition period, visitors may notice the introduction of screening signage and are directed to follow signage and/or instructions from staff at the health care facility they are visiting. The transition period is expected to be complete by Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Patients, residents and clients will continue to be screened at point of registration.
Ongoing COVID-19 protocols and guidelines are critically important in hospitals and health care facilities and are necessary precautions designed to help keep patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and physicians safe. Western Health thanks the public for their support and reminds them of the importance of continuing to follow public health guidance to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.