Family Presence/Visitor Restrictions for SHA Long Term Care Homes in Saskatoon Moving to Recovery Level

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 22, 2021, Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) Long Term Care (LTC) homes and Affiliates in Saskatoon and area will move to the Recovery Phase for Family Presence Restrictions. The Recovery Phase is intended to be a safe progression towards pre-pandemic Open Family Presence, which welcomed essential family/support persons at any time to support patient care. This change is being made because outbreaks in Saskatoon Long Term Care homes have decreased, COVID-19 transmission rates in Saskatoon have decreased, and the proof of vaccination requirements for staff and families/supports in Long Term Care are in effect. Those LTC homes not in compliance will remain at Level 1. Current family presence restrictions for LTC Homes can be found here.  The SHA will return to Open Family Presence as soon as it is safe to do so.

Being in the Recovery Phase means that:

• There are no limits on the number of essential family/support persons or visitors that can be designated or present at a time for each resident (*proof of vaccination requirements are in place for all family/support persons and visitors as described below).
• Frequency of family presence can be daily.
• Timing of in-person visits may be subject to scheduling limitations of the home.
• Larger groups need to schedule the use of common areas in advance before they come.
• Everyone is required to follow SHA guidelines for screening, personal protective equipment and distancing, even if they are vaccinated.

Reminder that proof of vaccination for Family/Support Person(s) and Visitors is now required.

Anyone entering a Long Term Care home (including affiliates) needs to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result taken within the last 72 hours (a list of places to get this test is available on the Government of Saskatchewan website). You will also need one piece of photo ID or two pieces on non-photo ID.

In the event there is no option for a vaccinated essential family/support person, one essential support person can be exempt from showing proof of a negative test from a third party provider. The one person who is exempt from showing a negative test will need to show exemption proof provided from the Long Term Care home. This exemption is not for general visitors.

For more information on COVID-19, including vaccinations, please visit saskatchewan.ca/COVID19.