SHA changes visitation limits at care homes in Regina area

Residents of more long-term and continuing care homes in the Regina area will be able to have visitors starting Monday.

On Friday afternoon, the Saskatchewan Health Authority announced it was making changes to family presence and visitation measures in the region due to what it called “a significant decrease in COVID-19 in Regina.”

Due to COVID concerns in the area, care homes in Regina, Emerald Park, Lumsden and Cupar weren’t among the facilities that were allowed to ease restrictions in late April. On Monday, facilities that meet the proper criteria will be allowed to implement measures under compassionate care and Level 90.

Level 90 means unlimited visitation for people living in care homes where at least 90 per cent of residents have been fully vaccinated for at least three weeks. As many as two people can visit the resident indoors and up to four can visit outdoors.

Fully vaccinated residents who leave the home won’t have to quarantine upon their return. Residents who can’t be vaccinated still can visit with people who have been fully vaccinated for at least three weeks prior to their visit.

Family presence at most long-term care homes is restricted to reasons of compassionate care only.

At that level, each resident can select two essential family or support persons for quality of life or care needs. One person at a time can be present indoors. In end-of-life situations, more than two people can be designated and two people can be present at a time.

Family members and support people must undergo health screening prior to entering the facility or home. A temperature check, hand hygiene and medical grade masks are among the precautions required.

This list shows the level of visitation allowed at a number of care homes in the province.