St. Michael's Health Centre in Lethbridge. (Supplied by Covenant Health)

By Connor Gunn/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta to lift most continuing care COVID restrictions

Jul 13, 2021 | 3:25 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta Health Services announced Tuesday that COVID-19 restrictions are going to be eased in Continuing Care Homes across the province.

There are currently only 6 active cases in continuing care facilities province-wide. “Since December 2020, there has been a 99 per cent decrease in the number of active cases of COVID-19 among staff and residents in these facilities,” the release reads.

The easing of restrictions will occur in multiple phases, the first phase will lift remaining visitor restrictions, current limits to dining and recreation activities, and additional screening for residents who go off-site.

Health Minster Tyler Shandro, says more than 90 per cent of Albertans over the age of 70 have received at least one dose of vaccine and 87 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses.

“Residents and their family members have made tremendous sacrifices over the course of this pandemic. Thanks to the power of vaccines, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Residents can resume many of the activities they once loved to do and have more opportunities to connect with their loved ones.”

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The province says the first phase will come into effect as soon as operators are able to make any necessary changes.

• Visitors will no longer be limited in number or conditions.
  • Visitors will still need to be screened for symptoms or known exposure upon entering a facility and wear masks in all common areas.
  • It is strongly recommended that visitors who have not yet been fully vaccinated, including children under age 12, wear their mask continuously and in all areas of the building.
• All limits to dining and recreation activities for residents are removed.
• Residents are no longer required to be screened upon re-entering the building or are required to quarantine if they have gone off-site. However, in specific circumstances, such as returning from an outbreak unit of a healthcare facility, residents who are not fully vaccinated may be required to quarantine.

Facility operators have until July 31 to fully implement these changes.

The following restrictions will remain in place:

• Screening upon entry and continuous masking for staff, students, volunteers, and service providers
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection routines in common areas
• Single-site staffing requirements
• Testing guidelines
• Isolation and quarantine protocols
• Outbreak procedures

“These remaining restrictions may be lifted in Phase 2 at a later date.”

Learn more about the easing of these restrictions at Protecting residents at congregate care facilities.