Level 3 Family Presence Now in Effect at All Regina Long-Term Care Homes

Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases at a number of long-term care homes in the city of Regina, family presence is now at Level 3, meaning family presence is now limited to end of life care. 

“The safety of residents, their families and staff at these homes remains our highest priority,” Physician Executive Dr. Rashaad Hansia said. “Communication with all those immediately impacted has been occurring throughout the weekend to ensure they are aware of the increased level of risk, and how we are addressing it.”

Multiple cases are now present in a number of homes, impacting both residents and staff. Outbreaks are either confirmed, or suspected at:

• Regina Lutheran Home
• Santa Maria
• Extendicare Elmview
• Extendicare Parkside
• Extendicare Sunset
• Regina Pioneer Village
• Wascana Rehabilitation Centre (only the unit where long-term care is provided)

Most of those infected have not been displaying symptoms, nor have they required hospitalization at this time. Testing at the homes is ongoing for both staff and residents.

A number of actions have been taken to protect the most vulnerable, including:

• Introducing HEPA fans into the homes, in order to increase air circulation;
• All health care workers in these homes are required to wear N95 respirators at all times. At Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, only those staff working on the long-term care unit are affected; and
• Where deemed necessary, and for a variety of reasons, some residents may be relocated to alternate locations in order to provide them with more protection.

Additionally, and out of an abundance of caution, each home may be adopting further measures to deal with the outbreak, based on their situation. All are well supplied with necessary personal protective equipment. Vaccination rates for residents at these homes is very high – over 90 per cent in most cases.

With the move to Level 3 family presence, all those impacted are reminded to pay close attention to their mental health, and the health of those around them. Seek help by speaking to your health care provider, or phoning HealthLine 811 at any time.  A full list of resources in the community are also available online: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/mental-health-and-covid-19#supports-available-in-saskatchewan

“We continue to review and assess each case as it occurs, but in our early assessment, there is no one clear incident that has been identified as a catalyst for the new cases,” Dr. Lanre Medu, Medical Health Officer said. “These latest cases underscore the fact that COVID-19 continues to be present in our community. We urge vaccination for everyone that is eligible, as soon as possible.”