Northern Health outlines changes to visitor policies for long term care facilities

A return to wider visitation options is now available
for family and friends  of those in Long Term Care facilities 
such as Acropolis Manor In Prince Rupert

As of this week, Northern Health has updated how visitation for families and friends of those in long term care facilities will move forward, with a number of changes from the COVID related protocols now in effect.

As of July 19th, visitors no longer need to schedule or book their visits in advance and the limit on the number of visitors for each resident have been removed.

As a protective measure to reduce the risk for introduction and spread of COVID-19, it is recommended that visitors are fully immunized (14 days after receiving second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine) against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination prior to entering the facility. 

Fully immunized visitors will be required to wear a medical mask while moving through the facility and in common areas but are not required to wear a mask while in direct contact with the person they are visiting.

Visitors who do not demonstrate they are fully immunized are required to wear a medical mask for the duration of their visit, including when in direct contact with the person they are visiting.

All visitors will be screened for signs and symptoms of illness, including COVID-19, prior to entry at every visit. Visitors with signs or symptoms of illness, as well as those in self-isolation in accordance with public health directives, will not be permitted to visit. Residents and visitors still need to continue to practice proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

As well as for visitors for guests, volunteers are now allowed back into the care homes and assisted living facilities, though they are required to be fully immunized against COVID-19 and be able to provide proof of vaccination.

In September, Northern Health will also be returning to their schedule for Adult Day Programs, with hopes to be back into service by September 21st, the near fall date one chosen to allow for a period of transition back to the more familiar program options.

You can review all the important details related to the new policies and procedures from the Northern health Website here.

More notes on Northern Health can be reviewed from our archive pages below:

Northern Health Prince Rupert Area

Northern Health Northwest

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.