Island Health is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) to respond to COVID-19. While there are confirmed cases in the province, the risk to British Columbians and Vancouver Islanders remains low.

To keep our patients, families and staff safe and in keeping with the Provincial Health Officer’s recommendations for social distancing, Island Health is limiting the number of visitors entering our buildings, effective immediately.

Until further notice, the following visitor restrictions are in place:

• Hospital Emergency Departments, Intensive Care/Critical Care areas: ONE adult caregiver/support person
• Perinatal Unit: ONE adult caregiver/support person
• Neonatal ICU: TWO adult caregivers/support persons
• Inpatient Pediatric and Adult Areas (with routine precautions in place): TWO adult caregivers/support persons
• Inpatient Areas (additional precautions in place): ONE adult caregiver/support person
• Primary and Urgent Care: ONE adult caregiver/support person
• Palliative/end of life: We will accommodate patient and family needs and consult with Infection Prevention and Control.
• Outpatient Clinics: ONE adult caregiver/support person
• Primary and Urgent Care: ONE adult caregiver/support person
• Long-term care homes: TWO adult caregivers/support persons

No visitor who is unwell with the following symptoms may visit any of the above facilities:  fever, cough, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat and/or diarrhea.

Further, anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19 during the previous 14 days, must not visit patients/residents in any Island Health facility or long-term care facility.

Patient navigators will be put in place at entrances of all facilities to ensure visitors are aware of the restrictions.

We understand the importance of visits from family and loved ones to our patients and long-term care residents and we appreciate your support in helping to keep everyone safe.

The BCCDC is the recommended resource for provincial information that is accurate and current. Information is being updated frequently on the site at this time and individuals are encouraged to check back regularly (eg. daily).

Island Health also has frequently updated information on our website.

Editorial Note: Read all official, current and ongoing updates on COVID-19 specifically related to Salt Spring Island on the Salt Spring Exchange under our News > 'Special Alert: COVID-19' News section.