The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is implementing visitation restrictions at the Rosthern Hospital because of an increase in COVID-19 cases in the community.
The SHA announced on January 20, via news release, that family presence and visitation is being limited to compassionate reasons.
“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 SHA said in the news release.
Compassionate care reasons may include, but are not limited to, family or support persons during end-of-life care, major surgery, intensive care/critical care, maternal/pediatrics, long-term care residents whose quality of life or care needs are unmet or those inpatients and outpatients with specific challenges.
The SHA says the limitations will remain in place until it’s safe to return to the previous level of family presence. It says those who are permitted to visit will have to undergo health screening, which will include a temperature check and questionnaire.
“The family member or support person will be required to perform hand hygiene (hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the facility, and when entering and leaving the patient’s room,” the SHA said in the news release.
Also, family members and support people will be required to wear a medical grade mask while inside the facility and potentially additional personal protective equipment if required.
Family members and support people are not permitted to wait in waiting rooms or other common areas.
The health authority is urging Saskatchewan residents to follow public health measures and personal safety precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including maintaining a physical distance of two metres from others and masking when that’s not possible.
Detailed information about family presence during COVID-19 can be found at saskatchewan.ca/covid19.