March 16,2022
Dear Family, Friends and Team Members, As most of you are aware, there have been some recent changes to the visitation guidelines for Long Term Care that come into effect on Friday, March 18th. We are still waiting to receive the official order from Island Health but wanted to summarize the changes as per Dr. Henry’s recent announcement and information provided to us by the BC Care Providers Association. If we receive any additional information or need to make any changes to the below guidelines, an additional letter will be sent to out via email. In addition to allowing designated and essential visitors, social visitors are now able to visit their loved ones. According to the BCCDC the definition of a social visit is: Social visits are visits other than essential visits or visits from a designated visitor where the primary purpose is to provide opportunities for residents to spend time with loved ones to support their social, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. • The number of designated and social visitors is limited to two at a time All visitors are still required to provide proof of vaccination and be screened in prior to each visit All visitors will continue to be rapid tested prior to visiting your loved one All visitors must wear a mask at all times however you are able to remove your mask when in your loved one’s room Visits can now be in designated lounge areas such as the libraries, sitting rooms, TV rooms and patio spaces. (Masks must be worn at all times when not in a loved one’s room) Visits will no longer need to be booked in advance Visitation hours will remain the same, 9am to 4pm daily These visitation guidelines are effective Friday, March 18th at 9am • • We appreciate your patience and kindness as we navigate the ongoing changes to visitation in Long Term Care. We will continue being diligent with our efforts to keep your loved ones safe and update you with changes as they occur.
Nicki Parker Administrative Manager