Visitor restrictions have been placed for all Saskatchewan Health Authority-operated hospitals, clinics, community and continuing care facilities in an effort to minimize and contain the spread of COVID-19.
The restrictions are effective immediately, March 14.
- For patients who are in critical care or high acuity units in SHA hospitals, visitors will be restricted to one at a time, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
- All community, foundation and other public and spiritual gatherings within any SHA-operated facility are on hold effective immediately until further notice.
- Services in non-essential areas provided by community volunteers who are 65 years of age or older have been suspended. Non-essential volunteer service areas will be determined by each individual facility.
“We acknowledge the importance of family support to both those who are healing within our hospitals and residents in long-term care homes. However, we are asking families recognize that our patients and long-term residents are higher at-risk group for illness, especially COVID-19,” said the authority in a media release.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is asking people to delay their visits:
- If they have any respiratory or gastric symptoms such as a common cold symptoms, diarrhea or vomiting.
- If they have traveled outside the province within the last 14 days or have flu-like symptoms do not visit long-term care homes, clinics or hospitals.
“While we aren’t restricting visitation at this point outside of critical care areas, we are asking all family members and visitors to be diligent with all illness prevention, which includes limiting the number of visitors to loved ones in hospitals or homes. Please consider virtual visiting through electronic applications such as Facetime, Skype and WhatsApp.”
Hand washing/sanitization stations are available at all facility entrances and the authority requests that anyone entering our facilities practice proper hand hygiene upon entry.
