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BC Hospital visitors, including Fort St. John, will soon need proof that they’re fully vaccinated before visiting patients receiving acute care.
Northern Health has posted in their city specific Facebook groups, reminding residents that the vaccine requirement, initially slated for October 26th, will be enforced soon.
“Visitation restrictions aim to protect patients, health-care workers, and the public in acute care facilities from COVID-19, while continuing to ensure that patients are provided with essential supports to ensure safe and supportive care,” says the Ministry of Health’s guidelines for acute care visitors, which were updated on November 1st.
Once in effect, visitors who aren’t fully vaccinated will be unable to enter hospitals, including passing through to access an outdoor space. However, patients won’t be required to show proof of vaccination.
Vaccinations aren’t required for kids under the age of 12, people with evidence of medical exemption and visitors who meet certain specific care setting criteria.
Exceptions will be considered if the visit is to the Intensive Care Unit, for compassionate care, and child birth, among other reasons.
Patients are allowed a maximum of two visitors.
“Family and visitors who have care quality concerns or specific concerns regarding visitation in an acute care facility can request a review through the health authority’s Patient Care Quality Office,” says the guidelines.
Health Minister Adrian Dix confirmed last Tuesday that the checks will be required very soon, but a formal date hasn’t been announced.
For more information on acute care visitation, head to the BC CDC website.
According to Northern Health’s weekly community immunization report, 78 per cent of Fort St. John residents have received their first vaccine dose as of November 9th. The number of residents who got their second jab increased two per cent from last week to 67 per cent.
Dix applauded Energetic City residents earlier this week, saying the city is “one of the places in BC where vaccination has risen the most.”
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