Public Notice – February 13, 2021
Labrador-Grenfell Health is advising the public that visitor restrictions are in place at all Labrador-Grenfell Health facilities to limit the spread of illness, including COVID-19. All in-person visits with patients/residents are suspended until further notice and the general public are asked to not visit at this time.
The following exceptions apply:
- For pediatric patients – both parents/guardians may be designated as support persons. Only one support person may visit at a time.
- For labour and delivery patients – one partner/significant other may be present during labour and delivery. That partner/significant other may stay with the mother and baby for up to four hours following delivery.
- For palliative care and end-of-life patients – please discuss with the patient’s health care team.
In certain exceptional circumstances, inpatients and residents may be permitted one designated support person/caregiver for the duration of their stay while these restrictions are in place, consistent with Labrador-Grenfell Health’s person-centered approach to care. A support person may be a relative, legal guardian, friend, or formal/informal caregiver who provides direct care to the client (e.g., feeding support, mobility, personal hygiene, cognitive stimulation, communication, and assistance in decision-making). Each site will be reaching out to patients, residents and families today to determine who the essential visitor will be, where appropriate. See complete details guidelines for support persons/designated visitors here.
Labrador-Grenfell Health is asking that individuals presenting to emergency departments and health care appointments come alone unless a support person is required. One parent/guardian may accompany children in the emergency department or for health care appointments.
These restrictions will be evaluated regularly and updated as needed.
All individuals must wear a medical mask provided at the facility entrance for the duration of their visit to a Labrador-Grenfell Health facility.
Virtual visitation can be an alternate way to connect with loved ones during these visitor restrictions. To arrange for a virtual visit, please also discuss your request with the care team.
Anyone experiencing one or more symptoms of COVID-19 is asked to complete the online self-assessment and referral tool at www.811healthline.ca or call the NL Health Line 8-1-1 to arrange testing.
Everyone has an important role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The public is reminded that the best defense against COVID-19 is maintaining physical distancing, practicing hand hygiene, staying home and seeking a test when sick, and consistently wearing a mask.
More information about COVID-19 can be found on the province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19 and on the Labrador-Grenfell Health webpage www.lghealth.ca/covid-19.
Labrador-Grenfell Health would like to thank the public for their co-operation during this precautionary measure.
Media Contact:
Amanda MacNeil
Regional Director of Communications, Labrador-Grenfell Health