Individuals over 60 years of age and those with pre-existing health conditions are most at risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19. Strict limitations to visitor access were necessary in earlier stages of the pandemic.
According to Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), it is believed that severe outbreaks in congregate care settings are now less likely because we now know more about COVID-19, and the protections that have been put in place to date have been effective.
In accordance with the latest Order (CMOH Order 29-2020 issued July 16, 2020) all operators of a continuing care facility now have the opportunity to develop and implement a Safe Visiting Policy that enables visitors to attend to residents within the facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Brenda Strafford Foundation welcomes the gradual reintroduction of families and visitors returning into continuing care sites as an essential component of well-being and quality of life for residents – in a safe and controlled manner.
BSF Safe Visiting Policy (PDF)
Policy Version 1: 2020-07-22