Indoor visits permitted starting tomorrow at North Shore Health Network's long-term care sites

The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) has updated its visitation policies for long-term care sites.

For outdoor visits:

NSHN said that effective immediately, up to two visitors are permitted per resident. Visiting hours will be 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. daily.

Visitors are responsible for bringing their own face coverings for outdoor visits.

The health network says proof of COVID-19 testing is not required for outdoor visits.

For indoor visits:

As of Wednesday, visiting hours will run from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., with exceptions for essential visitors and caregivers. Residents will be permitted up to two visitors at a time, and visitors will be supplied with a surgical/procedure mask that must be worn at all times.

Visitors must also verbally attest to workers that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the last two weeks and not subsequently tested positive. 

The health network says all visits, whether indoor or outdoor, must be scheduled in advance.

Visitors must also pass screening to visit, and those exhibiting signs of influenza-like illness will be asked to return home and self-isolate.

Visitors who have travelled outside of Canada are asked not to visit.

In March, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across Ontario, NSHN implemented visitor screening and restrictions to reduce the spread.

On April 1, the health network announced restrictions at all sites to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

On June 22, NSHN began reducing some restrictions on visits at the Blind River and Thessalon homes.

On July 15, the Minister of Long-Term Care announced that, starting Wednesday, indoor visitation could be permitted at long-term care homes.