Saskatchewan is easing restrictions on visits to personal and long-term care homes.
Starting next Thursday (Apr. 29), these homes will be able to allow family members or support people to visit fully vaccinated residents, two at a time.
However, it’s on the condition that at least 90 percent of residents in the homes have been fully immunized and it’s been 3 weeks since the last second dose of vaccinations.
Family and support people will still need to follow health guidelines, such as masking, physical distancing and hand hygiene when visiting.
When it comes to visiting outdoors, the homes will be able to allow up to 4 family members or support people.
“Fully vaccinated residents who go on outings will no longer be required to quarantine upon their return to a home.” the province said in a news release, however residents are expected to follow all public health measures in place if they leave a care home, including restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings.
“We know that this is something important for people,” Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health, Everett Hindley said. “We know we need to continue to make sure that we’re protecting all of our residents, including those that are most vulnerable.”
Hindley also mentioned at a news conference Thursday that he has received numerous calls of people asking when can they visit their loved ones.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority will notify long-term care homes when they are eligible to ease visitor restrictions, while personal care homes “are responsible for aligning themselves with the same operational policies as the SHA, and must be able to verify that they meet the requirements.” according to the province.
In the same release, SHA Medical Health Officers will have discretion to maintain restrictions, even if the conditions are being met, considering factors such as cases within a home, and the level of COVID-transmission in the community.