REGINA ‑ The Saskatchewan Health Authority is alerting the public of an increased risk of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in Regina and surrounding areas.
In an immediate response to keep residents and staff of long-term care homes in the Regina and Regina geographic service area (such as Cupar, Lumsden and White City/Emerald Park) safe during this time, family presence/visitation is being restricted to Level 1 in the following areas effective at 8 a.m. today.
This directive includes all SHA and Affiliate Long-Term Care Homes and all personal care and assisted living homes in Regina and Regina geographic service area.
This latest directive matches the family presence restrictions currently in place for all Regina acute care facilities. To understand details on what this level of family presence means for you, review the at-a-glance summary for acute care or for long-term care which also specify requirements for masking, screening and other safety measures.
According to the SHA press release, the decision to restrict family presence is not taken lightly. "These measures are in place to keep you, your loved ones, and health care workers safe. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is asking the public for their support and cooperation in order to contain the spread of the virus," the release states.
The SHA says family presence limitations will be reviewed regularly and will remain in place until it is safe to return to the previous level of family presence. Family members and support people who are permitted must follow SHA guidelines for screening, personal protective equipment and physical distancing. Rapid testing is strongly encouraged before, after and upon entering these homes.
Detailed information about family presence during COVID-19 can be found at saskhealthauthority.ca.
Because of the continued spread of Omicron, SHA is strongly urging Saskatchewan residents to continue to follow safety directives. These include: keeping two metres away from others and wearing a mask when in public; limiting gatherings; frequent hand cleaning with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer; not touching eyes, nose, mouth or mask with unwashed hands; staying home if unwell; seeking health care services when help is needed; and regular monitoring of health for COVID-19 symptoms and getting tested.
