SASKATOON — The Saskatchewan Health Authority says effective Monday, Feb. 28 at 8 a.m., family presence in long-term care homes will begin to move to open family presence.
The SHA adds this is with the exception of a small number of homes where enhanced precautions are deemed necessary by the local medical health officer. A complete list of homes and their family presence status is available on the SHA website.
“This return to pre-pandemic family presence protocols provides the opportunity for all residents to welcome more family and visitors,” stated in SHA in a media release. “Family members/support people are essential to the well-being and care of residents, and the SHA has remained committed to allowing as much family presence as safely possible throughout the pandemic. In light of the removal of Public Health Orders effective Feb. 28, policies and guidelines, including outbreak management and infection prevention and control, will reflect the transition to Living with COVID while also ensuring the ongoing safety of our long-term care residents.”
SHA says outbreaks will continue to be managed on a case-by-case basis, with the commitment to maintaining a minimum of essential family presence with additional precautions.
“This approach is more closely aligned to outbreak management for other communicable diseases. Homes will continue to maintain safety protocols, and processes will remain in place for enhanced protocols when necessary (for example, if an outbreak is declared),” says the SHA.
Information from residents and families through the Family Presence Expert Panel will be used to guide decision-making as the transition to Living with COVID takes place, says the SHA.
As of Feb. 22, 55 per cent of SHA long-term care homes (including affiliates) had already transitioned to recovery family presence, accepting additional family and visitors, which is part of the progression to open family presence.
