Both the Meadow Lake Hospital and Northland Pioneer Lodge are under visiting restrictions, due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the area.

Both facilities are now in Level 3 for Family Presence, which means that people can only visit to provide end-of-life care, or that one essential family or support person to safely assist with care if needed on things like self-care, mobility, nutrition and behavioural needs. This must be approved by the care team and includes outbreak situations, the SHA says.

Family members allowed in will have to undergo a health screening, including a temperature check and questionnaire. While inside, they’ll wear a mask and other PPE when needed, wash their hands when entering and exiting a patient’s room. They also won’t be allowed to wait in common areas.

These restrictions, the SHA says, will be in place until it is safe to bring more family members in. In the meantime, they’re also calling on all residents to continue following COVID-19 guidelines to keep infection rates down in the area.