The Saskatchewan Health Authority is moving the Lloydminster Hospital to Level Two visiting restrictions, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the community.
The bump up to increased COVID protections means changes for both acute care and long term care. Now, a patient can designate one essential family member or support person. As well, only one person can be present at a time indoors for a visit.
There are exceptions, as patients can designate two essential visitors, who can be present at the same time, if they are in intensive care, maternal, postpartum and pediatric units and end of life or palliative care units.
The SHA will review this every week, but will only lower the restrictions when it is determined that it is safe enough to do so. Family members and support people who do visit will be required to follow SHA guidelines for screening, personal protective equipment and physical distancing.
There’s also no limit on visitors outdoors at the Hospital at this time. These visitation rules are also contingent on how many people can safely be accommodated by the care team. The SHA says at times, reduced frequency in visits or staggered presence may be needed.
In the meantime, all other residents, especially the unvaccinated, are encouraged to stop the spread of COVID-19 by washing frequently, limiting gatherings, physically distancing, masking up when in public and regularly self-monitoring for COVID symptoms, along with staying home if sick.
It’s also encouraged that people get vaccinated if they can, to mitigate the spread of COVID and its variants.