Open family presence reminders
With the holiday season approaching, here is what family presence and visitation requirements look like at all Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) facilities and long-term care homes.
All families and visitors entering a Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) facility are still required to wear a medical grade mask. Masks are required at all times in acute care facilities and in common areas in long-term care facilities. Masks are no longer required in the residents' rooms, unless the resident is COVID-19 positive and on precautions. Free medical masks will be provided at screening stations when entering a SHA facility or long-term care home.
When it is determined that a unit or area is required to be temporarily at yellow or red precautions due to an outbreak, the Family Presence Policy Directive states that consistent family/support person(s) can still be present.
Enhanced Family Presence Precautions: Yellow
- No limits on the number of essential support persons or visitors per patient/resident.
- Two family/support persons or visitors present at a time indoors.
- No limits on persons present at a time outdoors.
- End-of-life; no limit to the number of different family/support persons or visitors. Two family/support persons or visitors can be present at one time. More than two may be permitted if space/layout allows.
Enhanced Family Presence Precautions: Red
- One consistent family/support person can be present at a time.
- Alternates are allowed if needed.
- End-of-life; no limit to the number of different family/support persons or visitors. Two family/support persons or visitors can be present at a time.
- Options for outdoor visits to be determined in consultation with the local medical health officers (MHOs)
Families are encouraged to make a contingency plan so all can spend quality time together.
To ensure you are following the proper precautions in acute and long-term care homes please check with the care team at your facility/long-term care home.
More information on open family presence, including yellow and red precautions, can be viewed on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website.
