Visitors: Thank you for respecting these new rules
Thursday 13 August 2020 | NewsDoing so is in the best interest of us all, but it also shows courtesy to our dedicated staff.
We have seen situations in which staff members are taken to task by people who are unfamiliar with the new visiting rules. Sometimes even, in rare cases, by people who do not want to comply with the new rules. These rules for visiting long-term care facilities and hospitals are consistent with government guidelines and are subject to change as the epidemiological situation unfolds. For the collective good, we should now ask people who refuse to comply to leave.
General Rules in Long-Term Care Facilities and Hospitals
- A procedural mask or face covering must be worn during the entire visit.
- Hand washing is mandatory on entering and leaving the facility.
- Physical distancing (2 m) must be maintained:
- Keep to the right in corridors and stairways.
- Walk in single file.
- Use the stairs whenever possible.
- Respiratory etiquette (cough and sneeze into your elbow, throw away your tissue immediately after use, and wash your hands immediately).
- Be courteous to staff members and other visitors.
- Respect the posted visiting hours.
- The following will not be admitted:
- Visitors with symptoms associated with COVID-19
- Visitors awaiting the results for COVID-19 screening
- Visitors with COVID-19
Additional Rules for Long-Term Care Facilities
- A maximum of twofrom the same family at a time.
- A procedure mask must be worn (face coverings are not allowed).
- Sign the visitor log when entering and leaving.
- Limit travel as much as possible to a single resident's room (avoid common areas and visit only one resident in the unit).
- Keep the exchange of items to the minimum.
Additional Rules for Hospitals
- Only one visitor at a time per patient is allowed and a maximum of four different people per day. If two visitors show up at the same time, one of them must wait their turn outside the hospital.
- Visits to rooms with multiple beds must be adapted to respect physical distance (e.g., only one visitor at a time in the room).
- Exceptions to the number of visitors are possible, especially for people at the end of life.
- Restrictions in these areas: emergency, oncology, intensive care, obstetrics, paediatrics, neonatology, and medical imaging (for obstetrical ultrasound). Check with the unit.