People are our priority, and that includes our residents, families, communities, and Employee Care Partners (ECPs).

The rising numbers of COVID-19 cases are extremely concerning.

We recognize that the presence of designated family/support persons is essential to the maintenance of resident mental and physical health, even in an outbreak situation so we are doing what we can to find a safe balance.

Any visiting person who works or lives in an area of high COVID-19 exposure (for example, Calgary and Edmonton) is considered higher risk of unknown exposure. For all visiting persons from these regions, this means it is even more critical to ensure you are practicing proper hand hygiene, continuous masking, physical distancing, and symptom screening. People at high risk of unknown exposure to COVID-19 are advised to have no physical contact with the person they are supporting unless providing direct care to the resident and are wearing all appropriate PPE.

I also ask that you evaluate your need to be physically present (based on resident need), to help in limiting the number of people entering our community. The more visitors we have entering our community, the higher the risk of COVID-19 exposure to our residents and Employee Care Partners (ECPs). As an alternative, please consider virtual options to connecting with your family member(s).

Thank you for your support and shared commitment to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and for helping us to keep our residents and ECPs healthy and safe.