(CKOM News staff)

By CKOM News

Conditions apply as Saskatchewan prepares to open care homes to more visitors

Apr 22, 2021 | 4:26 PM

Saskatchewan is loosening visitation restrictions at long-term and personal care homes.

On Thursday, the provincial government announced that, starting April 29, residents of those facilities will be able to have more visitors — provided the residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and “at least 90 per cent of residents have been fully vaccinated and three weeks have elapsed since the last second dose vaccinations.”

According to a media release from the government, Saskatchewan Health Authority medical health officers will have the discretion to keep the homes locked down, even if they meet those requirements.

“They will consider the local context, including the level of community transmission and the number of cases within a home,” the release said.

If the proper conditions are met, people will be allowed to visit two at a time in indoor settings, while up to four family members or support people can visit residents outdoors.

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Residents who are fully vaccinated and who go on outings won’t have to quarantine upon returning to their homes.

“Our priority is the safety and well-being of residents and staff in our long-term care homes and personal care homes,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said in the release.

“This gradual, cautious approach will help keep residents safe, while allowing them much-needed contact with their loved ones.”

Those who visit residents will still have to follow public health guidelines regarding wearing masks, practising physical distancing and hand hygiene, and undergoing routine testing and temperature screening.

If a resident leaves a care home, they’ll still have to follow current public health measures regarding indoor and outdoor gatherings.

The SHA is to notify long-term care homes as to when they can ease the restrictions. Personal care homes will have to follow the SHA guidelines and be able to verify that they meet the required conditions.

According to government data, there had been 146 COVID-related deaths in long-term and personal care homes in Saskatchewan as of April 12.

There had been 48 deaths in long-term, not-for-profit care homes, 44 in long-term, for-profit care homes, 31 in SHA-operated long-term care facilities and 23 in personal care homes.