Yesterday, Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that the province is moving to restrict visitors in long-term care homes to essential visits only.
Care providers are being told they can restrict visits from the public to compassionate visits for end-of-life care. Visitors who assist with feeding or mobility tasks may be permitted at the discretion of care providers.
“We are thankful to Dr. Bonnie Henry and to Minister Dix for providing their direction on this important issue to keep seniors living in long-term care safe,” says BCCPA CEO Daniel Fontaine.
Details on the restrictions, in addition to a letter from Dr. Bonnie Henry, are available on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s website. The page also provides important information for long-term care homes, including the use of personal protective equipment, screening for symptoms, cleaning, and transfers.