Family members and friends of patients in Northern Health Region (NHR) facilities will soon be able to see their loved ones, under strict COVID-19 safety conditions.
The NHR began allowing limited visitor access to inpatients June 10, allowing visitors a chance to visit people living in NHR facilities from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. during weekdays. Visitors or support personnel must be specifically designated ahead of time. Visits may be expanded to weekends or holidays later this summer, pending outcomes of COVID-19.
Conditions for visits will be heavily restricted, due in part to provincial guidelines on visitation during COVID-19.
"The Northern Health Region is following the recommended provincial guidelines that allow a select number of visitors/support persons within hospital inpatient units," reads a press release by the NHR.
All visits will need to include social distancing of at least six feet at all times and visitors will need to meet infection prevention protocols. Any possible visitors with flu-like symptoms will be told to stay home and screening will take place upon entry, checking on visitors' travel history or contact with recent travellers. Visitors are also asked (but not required) to wear non-medical masks when inside NHR facilities and must report directly to the nursing station in the unit they are visiting before meeting loved ones.
In acute care, one designated person can visit a patient who's been in medical care for at least two weeks and who is unlikely to be discharged within three days of a visit. Visits are limited to two hours at a time, once per day. Once a visitor leaves a facility, they will not be allowed back inside for the rest of the day.
Names and contact infomation will be logged by health officials. If a case of COVID-19 is reported in a facility, the information collected will be used for contact tracing purposes, according to the NHR.
Visitors can bring in food in wipeable containers and must take the containers with them when leaving. Food will not be allowed to be stored in shared refrigerators at the facilities. Visitors can also take items like newspapers, books, cards, toys or other personal items if they are only meant to be used by the patient being visited.
The NHR is not allowing outdoor visits yet, citing a possible risk to patients due to unknown contacts.
"Protecting the health and well-being of your loved ones and staff remains one of our top priorities. Regular assessment by public health officials of the impact and evaluation of the need for adjusted visitor restrictions will continue as developments evolve. Once again, thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we take every measure to protect you, your loved ones and our staff," reads a statement on the NHR website.
