Nova Scotia Health reminds families of visitation restrictions ahead of holidays
As the holidays begin, Nova Scotia Health is reminding residents that general visitation at all facilities remains restricted.
The health agency issued a press release on Monday expecting more people to want to visit family members, but it’s uncertain as respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, continue to circulate in the community.
“Nova Scotia Health serves the most vulnerable among us. People with compromised immune systems rely on us to ensure a safe and healthy place to receive treatment, rest and recover,” the press release said.
“Many patients are at higher risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.”
Last week, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health urged people to exercise caution during the holiday season as the province experiences an early flu season.
“If we’re not careful, there’s a great potential for spreading viruses when we socialize, which isn’t so much the norm in typical years, so I ask Nova Scotians to be very careful about your social activities,” said Dr. said Robert Strang on Friday.
Although the general public is not permitted to visit patients, the health department allows a certain number of accompanying persons in certain situations.
The press release states that patients, who may each have an attendant, include:
- persons under the age of 19 in outpatient facilities;
- inpatient hospital patients;
- patients in emergency rooms;
- anyone at a prenatal visit, including for ultrasound scans;
- those receiving outpatient care;
- and patients infected with COVID-19.
Those who can have two supports at once include:
- anyone under the age of 19 who is hospitalized or undergoing outpatient surgery;
- patients in intensive care units and critically ill patients in emergency departments;
- and patients in labor and giving birth.
Individuals receiving palliative care or those at the end of life, as well as individuals receiving medical assistance when dying, can have three companions.
The press release states that additional supporters may be admitted for compassionate reasons. It also said aid workers and staff must wear masks to prevent the spread of disease.
“Nova Scotia Health staff continue to work to keep us all safe. Please be kind to each other and to the staff who work hard to serve you. We appreciate your continued support and cooperation.”
