In recognition that seniors already receiving care are most vulnerable to COVID-19, Northern Health issued new restrictions Monday, on the advice of the Ministry of Health.
The policy changes are as follows:
Until further notice the health authority will temporarily suspend interfacility transfers of patients except in a situation of intolerable risk. The client's place on the wait list for transfer will be maintained;
Patients being admitted to long-term care facilities from acute care in the hospitals will be given priority ahead of people in the community whenever possible;
Home and community care adult day programs operated and/or funded by Northern Health will be suspended;
The health authority will also temporarily suspend the provision of in-facility respite, except in cases of intolerable risk.
Although most people who do get infected by the novel coronavirus experience mild illness that does not require hospitalization, seniors are at a higher risk of developing severe respiratory infections that can be life-threatening.
The health authority is trying to encourage reduced visits to long-term care facilities and only essential visits are recommended. That advice applies to compassionate care (end of life and critical illness) and visits considered essential to the care and well-being of long-term facility residents.
There are now five residents of the Northern Health region who have tested positive for COVID-19. The latest patient was announced Monday by BC public health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry.
For more information on the latest COVID-19 updates got to the BC Centre for Disease Control website at covid-19.bccdc.ca.
The changes are being implemented in long-term care facilities across the Northern Health region. Anyone with questions about how patients will be affected should be directed to the facility manager.
