COVID-19 visitor restrictions that were currently in place at Alberta Health Services (AHS) facilities, including acute care, ambulatory care, urgent care, and emergency care sites have officially been rescinded, according to an AHS press release released July 20.
There will no longer be a limit to the number of visitors or family/support persons that are permitted to each patient, read the press release.
The policy was initially in place to decrease the spread of COVID-19. To do so, AHS sites placed a limit on the number of visitors and family/support persons permitted in healthcare settings.
“While these limits have been necessary to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, we understand how challenging they have been for patients and their families,” said AHS in a press release.
While most sites will accommodate open access for visitors and family/support persons, it is important to keep in mind that some healthcare settings may need to impose capacity limits due to the vulnerability of patients receiving care, or in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility.
Moreover, there may also be limits on how many people can be in a designated area at one time in order to maintain physical distancing requirements, according to the AHS press release.
“If you are planning to come to [a] site to see a patient, speak with the site or patient’s care team beforehand to find out if any access limits are in place,” suggested AHS, as per the press release.
AHS also said the only change to the policy is the number of visitors allowed in a given facility. Those visiting AHS sites must continue to wear masks, complete an entry COVID-19 screening, remain physically distanced from other visitors, and practice hand hygiene. This is due to the vulnerable environments that are present in healthcare facilities.
For more information, visit ahs.ca/visitation