The Saskatchewan Health Authority is letting people know there will be no changes to its masking, screening and family presence directives in its facilities with the exception of long-term care homes.

The news comes as the province prepares to lift most COVID-19 restrictions in the province as of Sunday.

In a release. the SHA says transmission of COVID-19 and its variants, such as the Delta variant, will continue to pose a risk throughout the province and therefore to the health and safety of staff, physicians, patients, residents, family and visitors in SHA facilities.

When you enter a facility, you will be expected to:

1. Wear a medical grade face mask for the duration of your stay in the facility. Facilities include all hospitals, vaccine clinics, out-patient clinics etc. Failure to wear a mask may result in being denied access to the facility. Patients will continue to be able to remove their masks when they are in their own room. All staff in any SHA facility or performing any SHA service, like Home Care and including LTC homes, are still required to follow continuous masking protocols.
2. Answer the COVID-19 screening questions honestly and to the best of your ability.
3. Follow Level 1 Family Presence guidelines.This means that each patient can designate two essential family members/supports. These people can both visit the patient but only one person at a time. Additional family members/supports can be designated for intensive care, and palliative care. Two people can be present at one time for intensive care, palliative care, and maternal/children’s units. These will be reassessed frequently and will be adjusted as the COVID-19 risk changes.
4. Continue to be kind and respectful to everyone. Abusive language and actions will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the facility.

For SHA Long-Term Care Facilities:

Residents, family and visitors are not required to wear masks and have no limit on the number of visitors.However, visitors are encouraged to wear a mask while visiting, particularly if the resident or visitor is not fully vaccinated or physical distance cannot be maintained. Masks help to reduce COVID-19 transmission. LTC Homes are different than other SHA facilities because these are considered people’s homes.

The SHA says these protocols will remain in place for the time being and will be regularly reviewed.