July 22, 2021
Central Health is pleased to advise the public that visitor restrictions will be lessened at health care facilities and long-term care homes, effective Friday, July 23, 2021. The following guidelines are in place to support visitation:
At most Central Health facilities, visits will be limited to two people at the same time to adhere to public health measures. The patient/resident/family will coordinate the visiting times, ensuring that physical distancing requirements can be maintained by the visitors in the space available. When visiting a patients/resident in a multi-bed room, visitors are reminded that physical distancing is recommended as much as possible. As well, please keep in mind the comfort level of the other patients/residents of the room. When children 18 years and under are visiting, two adults may be present while the children are visiting the patient/resident.
Visitors are not limited to one visit a day.
Visitation is encouraged in a patient/resident’s room or outdoors. Physical distancing must be maintained if visitation takes place outside the room and inside the facility.
Each time you enter a health care facility, we ask that you limit visitation to one patient/resident. In extenuating circumstances visits with more than one patient/resident will be allowed (i.e. both parents in LTC).
Visitation will take place between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. In extenuating circumstances visits outside these hours may take place in collaboration with the care team.
All support persons/visitors must register upon arrival to the facility and be screened for COVID-19 prior to the visit.
Please note that a delay in screening upon entry may occur if there are a high number of visitors at the same time.
If you have questions, please contact the care team to discuss visitation for your loved one.
Individuals who are required to self-isolate are permitted to provide support/visit only in the specific situations outlined in Section 3.1 Obstetrics and Section 5.1 End-of Life Visiting – All Facilities, and only in consultation with the clinical care team of the patient/resident.
For appointments or Emergency Department visits:
Patients are asked to consider the necessity of bringing an additional person. Patients who can safely manage without assistance/support should come independently.
Support persons may be asked to wait outside the facility to ensure adequate space is available in the waiting area for patients. The care team will accommodate the support person in the treatment area when requested by the patient.
For up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.
-30-
Media contact:
Gayle St. Croix
Director, Communications and Government Relations
