Dear Residents, Family and Friends of RK MacDonald
There were further easing of restrictions in LTC at the June 30, 2021 announcement. There are a number of different regulations we must continue to follow. Restrictions have eased but Public Health measures have not. The Delta variant is in the province. Our experience with the UK variant tells us the new strains can quickly take hold.
Please wear your mask properly at all times on the property– inside and outside. Residents live communally and exposure for one person has the potential to affect everyone. We have to remain committed and vigilant to keeping each other virus free.
Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Get fully vaccinated. Encourage loved ones to get fully vaccinated. Don’t visit with cold symptoms. Don’t visit if you have a close contact who has cold symptoms/awaiting testing results. Get regular asymptomatic testing.
It is also imperative that anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms and/or tests positive within two weeks of their visit to the facility, notifies the facility immediately to ensure we take the necessary precautions here.
Based on staffing availability, we are now booking indoor and outdoor visits seven days a week. Please call 902-870-3458 to book an appointment. Residents can have 3-5 visitors at one time. Visitors must be screened prior to the visit.
For residents who are fully immunized against COVID-19:
Indoor visits:
- Are available in designated visitation areas and in resident rooms.
- We are only able to accommodate 2 visitors indoors at a time.
- Scheduling is required. Book your appointment by calling 902-870-3458
- Visitors must be screened prior to entry into the Home.
- Residents are encouraged, but are not required, to wear a mask and physically distance from their visitor(s).
- Indoor visits are scheduled for 30 minutes.
- These Indoor visits are in addition to visitation from Designated Care providers.
- Maximum number of visitors indoors is 4 per resident. If that number is exceeded- especially in semi-private bedrooms, staff will support finding alternative visiting spaces inside or on the grounds. We ask for your cooperation and flexibility to ensure we can accommodate visits indoors.
- Indoor visits will begin on Monday, July 5, 2021 between 11:00 am-4:30pm. As noted they must be pre-booked.
Outdoor Visits:
- Are available in designated areas outside
- Outdoor visits can accommodate 3-5 people at one time.
- Scheduling is required. Book your appointment by calling 902-870-3458
- If the visitor(s) are wearing a mask, social distance is not required. If the visitor(s) are unmasked, social distancing is required.
- Visits are scheduled for 30 minutes.
- Visitors must be screened prior to the visit.
Full community access is now permitted for residents who are fully vaccinated.
- Designated Caregivers are able to accompany residents to retail stores, restaurants, banks, etc.
- Those residents who remain independent, may access the community unaccompanied.
- The Team Lead RN/LPN in the care area must be notified of the outing- ideally in advance, to ensure residents are prepared to go out.
- A sign-out/sign-in book will be available in the front lobby.
For residents who are partially immunized or not immunized against COVID-19,
Outdoor Visits
- The resident can have 3-5 visitors outside.
- Visits outdoors without physical distancing are now permitted.
- Residents are encouraged, but are not required, to wear a mask. Visitors must wear a mask.
- The visitor and the resident may hug, touch, or exchange a handshake during an outdoor visit.
- Residents may now access outdoor public areas such as boardwalks, parks, etc. The resident must maintain physical distancing (except with their Designated Caregiver or support person accompanying them).
- Partially or unimmunized residents are not permitted to come into contact with others during the outing and are not able to access restaurants, banks, stores etc at this time.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health determines what can or cannot happen in each phase of lifting restrictions, with advice from the Department of Health and Wellness, Public Health, Infection Prevention and Control, and Continuing Care. The foundation of decision-making is rooted in clinical and public health evidence, and considers factors including COVID-19 activity, vaccination rates, and an understanding of the unique needs of our long-term care residents. As always, it will take us several days to adapt to the increased visitation. There continue to be a number of safeguards and monitoring required on the part of the facility.
We are inching through this and making progress. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support as we continue to ease restrictions.