A recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the southwest and west central parts of the province has prompted the Saskatchewan Health Authority to restrict visitor guidelines.
In a release from the SHA on Thursday morning, visitation at Swift Current’s Cypress Regional Hospital, along with long-term care homes and personal care homes close to areas with an increased transmission of the virus, will be temporarily restricted.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority is asking the public for their support and cooperation in order to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” reads the release.
Family members or support people will only be allowed entry at the Cypress Regional Hospital for compassionate reasons. No other visitors will be allowed into the facilities at this time and the enhanced restrictions are in place until further notice.
The SHA says compassionate care reasons may include, but are not limited to, family or support persons during end-of-life care, major surgery, intensive care and critical care or a care partner aiding in clinical care (at the discretion of the patient’s care provider).
Regarding long-term care homes, the following communities will be restricted to outdoor visits and end-of-life care at their facilities:
- Biggar
- Cabri
- Eastend
- Elrose
- Eston
- Foam Lake
- Gravelbourg
- Gull Lake
- Kerrobert
- Kindersley
- Lafleche
- Lestock
- Mankota
- Maple Creek
- Meadows in Swift Current
- Ponteix
- Raymore
- Rosetown
- Shaunavon
- Theodore
- Wynyard
Family and support people who are permitted to visit must be verified and undergo a health screening prior to entering the facility or home which will include a temperature check and questionnaire.
Visitors will be required to perform hand hygiene (hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer) when entering and leaving the facility or home, and when entering and leaving the patient’s or resident’s room. Medical grade masks will need to be worn while inside the facility or home.
More information about this criteria can be found at the provincial government’s website.
