Saskatchewan Health Authority Tightens ICU Visiting Restrictions | The Canadian News

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) says it is increasing restrictions on family presence in intensive care units due to the “extremely” high number of patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Currently, there are more patients in ICUs across the province than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release Monday. He added that the vast majority of those patients are positive for COVID, with 79 showing up on the government dashboard on October 10.

SHA said that all provincial ICUs and cardiac care units in Saskatoon and Regina will implement temporary surge restrictions, meaning each patient will be able to designate two essential family members and / or support persons, with one present at a time.

“Limiting the number of family members and visitors will help ensure adequate physical distancing and will help mitigate the risk of COVID transmission in ICU settings,” the SHA statement read.

“The decision to limit family presence is not taken lightly. These restrictions will be reviewed weekly and may be further reduced or restricted based on regular risk assessments. “

SHA said the UCI teams will work to support phone and virtual connections with the family “as much as they can.”

For family presence at the end of life, two designated individuals can still visit at the same time in ICUs, according to officials.

9:19The Burnout and Emotional Cost of Being on Alberta and Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 Front Line

See link »