The Saskatchewan Health Authority has provided more information on what the public can expect in its facilities after the public health restrictions are lifted on July 11.
This does not mean that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, the health authority said. Transmission of COVID-19 and its variants, like the Delta variant, will continue to pose a risk throughout the province and therefore to the health and safety of staff, physicians, patients, residents, family and visitors in Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) facilities.
As of July 11, there will be no changes to the masking, screening and family presence directives in SHA facilities with the exception of long-term care (LTC) homes. When you enter a facility, you will be expected to:
- Wear a medical grade face mask for the duration of your stay in the facility. Facilities include all hospitals, vaccine clinics, out-patient clinics etc. Failure to wear a mask may result in being denied access to the facility. Patients will continue to be able to remove their masks when they are in their own room. All staff in any SHA facility or performing any SHA service, like home care and including LTC homes, are still required to follow continuous masking protocols.
- Answer the COVID-19 screening questions honestly and to the best of your ability.
- Follow Level 1 Family Presence guidelines. This means that each patient can designate two essential family members/supports. These people can both visit the patient but only one person at a time. Additional family members/supports can be designated for intensive care, and palliative care. Two people can be present at one time for intensive care, palliative care, and maternal/children’s units. These will be reassessed frequently and will be adjusted as the COVID-19 risk changes.
- Continue to be kind and respectful to everyone. Abusive language and actions will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the facility.
For SHA long-term care facilities:
Residents, family and visitors are not required to wear masks and have no limit on the number of visitors. However, visitors are encouraged to wear a mask while visiting, particularly if the resident or visitor is not fully vaccinated or physical distance cannot be maintained. Masks help to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Long-term care homes are different than other SHA facilities because these are considered people’s homes.
The health and safety of staff, physicians, patients, residents, family and visitors is our number 1 priority. In order to maintain safety for everyone, the above protocols will remain in place for the time being and will be regularly reviewed. It is only by working together that we can keep SHA facilities safe.”
