It has been wonderful to welcome more of you in to our Care Homes, with the changes to visiting in long term care homes announced by the Ministry of Health a couple weeks ago. We appreciate your patience as we have implemented these changes.
We have received additional information and clarification from the Ministry, and want to share this with you today.
What you need to know
On March 18, 2022, social visits resumed at all our Care Homes. The following are changes or additions to the information we provided on March 16, 2022.
Wearing medical masks
- COVID-19 protocols require you to wear masks in hallways and common areas. However, if you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask when visiting outdoors, or in a resident’s room.
Staff eye protection
- Further to Dr. Henry’s announcement on March 18, 2022, staff are no longer required to wear eye protection when caring for your loved ones. Therefore, you will no longer see staff with goggles or face shields in our Care Homes. However, Home Greeters, who screen visitors, will continue to wear face shields.
Rapid antigen testing
- All visitors require a rapid antigen test. Your Care Home will provide you with more information. You can also learn more on the BC Centre for Disease Control’s website.
- If you are found to have a positive test, you do not need to be tested again within 30 days. However, you may resume visiting after completing your self-isolation period.
Visiting hours
- At Veterans Memorial Lodge, visiting hours have been extended. You may now visit from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. No appointment is required.
- No appointments are required during visiting hours at Beckley Farm Lodge and Rest Haven Lodge. If you wish to visit Nigel House, please call them at 250.475.2050 to make an appointment for your rapid test.
Visitor categories
- There are three categories of visits: essential/end-of-life, single designated, and social. You can learn more about these three categories on the COVID-19 Care Home Information page on our website. In the event of an outbreak, social visits will be suspended until such time as the outbreak is declared over by Island Health.
What you can do
Check the COVID-19 Care Home and Visiting Information page for the most current information. While this page is no longer updated daily, we will add information when it is available.
You can also find additional information on the BCCDC website.
Thank you again for your patience as we work together to welcome as many of you as possible. It is wonderful to see the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they greet you, and to feel the joyful energy your presence brings to our Care Homes.