Following substantial progress with BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan, provincial visitation practices in long-term care and seniors’ assisted living facilities have be updated.
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 12, 2021:
On September 12, 2021, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry introduced new guidelines forVisitors in Long-Term Care and Seniors’ Assisted Livinghomes.
- Visitors must show their BC Vaccine Card (QR code or equivalent) as well as personal identification when signing-in, even if only to pass through the facility to access an outdoor space.
- Visitors who cannot demonstrate they are either partially or fully vaccinated cannot enter a facility (excluding children under 12 years or those with an approvedmedical exemption).
- Partially vaccinated visitors must adhere to the following measures until confirmed fully vaccinated:
- Wear a medical-grade mask for the duration of the visit
- Unvaccinated visitors may visit outside, but cannot enter/pass through the facility to get to the visiting location.
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 26, 2021:
- All visitors must demonstrate they are fully vaccinated with two doses to enter a facility (excluding children under 12 years or those with an approved medical exemption)
- Unvaccinated visitors with no dose may visit outside, but cannot enter the facility to get to the visiting location.
EFFECTIVE JULY 19, 2021:
- Visitors will no longer need to schedule or book their visit in advance.
- Facility operators may designate visiting hours to ensure there are significant opportunities available daily with visiting options in the morning, afternoon and evenings.
- The limit on the number of social visitors each resident can have at one time has been removed, and decisions will be made based on:
- site capacity;
- the facility’s communicable disease prevention plan (read more); and
- the resident’s need in support of meaningful visits.
- Larger, facility-wide social events or gatherings may occur. Indoor gatherings may include residents and staff across units/floors of a facility.
- Outdoor events and gatherings may include family and friends, and must align with current provincial guidance and the facility’s communicable disease prevention plan (read more), and ensure the safety of all staff, residents and visitors.
PROTECTIVE MEASURES:
- It is strongly recommended that visitors are fully immunized against COVID-19.
- Visitors will be asked if they have proof of their vaccine status.
- Facilities will maintain a visitor list or sign-in list for contact tracing purposes if necessary.
- Fully immunized visitors will be required to wear a medical mask while moving through the facility and in common areas but are not required to wear a mask while in direct contact with the person they are visiting.
- Visitors who do not demonstrate they are fully immunized are required to wear a medical mask for the duration of their visit, including when in direct contact with the person they are visiting.
