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Maternity patients giving birth in Alberta hospitals can bring a person infected with COVID-19 for support, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said in a series of tweets Saturday afternoon.
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AHS confirmed that an exemption to the quarantine rules allows a person with COVID-19 to join a pregnant patient in exceptional circumstances and if the hospital finds out in advance. TO medical director of the sanitary order in effect since July 29 it says that this designated support person You must stay two meters away from everyone except the pregnant patient and the baby.
“These exemptions, which have been in effect since July 2021, are granted in exceptional circumstances and only at the request of the patient giving birth. We know the importance of having support at this time. This is a fundamental part of our approach to patient-centered care, ”reads an AHS tweet.
Despite this, the provincial health authority says there are protocols to ensure that people are safe.
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“The patient and the essential support person will remain under contact and drop isolation. This includes the facilities that provide access to restrooms and food, ”says AHS.
The order says a designated COVID-19 positive support person should follow the instructions of medical staff while in the hospital and follow the rules on wearing masks, hand washing and physical distancing.
They are also told that they have to go to and from the hospital without stopping, taking their own vehicle if possible.
The AHS also said it strongly recommends that all designated and essential support persons be fully vaccinated.
This was first brought to light Saturday by Calgary physician Joe Vipond, who posted a letter on Twitter describing the exemption.
Postmedia has contacted AHS for more information, but has not received a response.
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Pregnant people at risk
COVID-19 poses a significant risk both pregnant people and their unborn children, and many of them become seriously ill.
In fact, between July 15 and September 18, 14 pregnant patients were admitted to intensive care units in Alberta, double the rate for this group during the first full year of the pandemic, the medical director said Thursday. of health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw. .
He urged pregnant people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their child, hoping to address the spread of misinformation about how it is unsafe.
“We need everyone who is pregnant, trying to get pregnant or who has recently given birth to receive protection from both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” he said. “This is the best way to protect you and your baby from COVID-19 and the complications that can come with it.
“Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation, but the data shows that vaccines are safe and effective. For accurate and reliable information, talk to your healthcare provider or call 811. “
Reference-edmontonjournal.com