Lifting of Universal Masking Requirements and Screening – Effective April 6, 2023
Effective April 6, 2023 – BC Government Announcement: End of Respiratory Season Update News
BC Government Announcement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HLTH0039-000473
We are delighted to announce that the Provincial Health Officer has announced the end of respiratory season and is lifting mthe mandatory requirements with respect to visitors in long-term care and seniors’ assisted living.
What has changed?
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Visitors will no longer be required to provide their vaccination status, and those who are unvaccinated for COVID-19 will be able to visit freely at long-term care and assisted living sites.
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Visitors will no longer be required to undergo a rapid antigen test or confirm a recent negative rapid antigen test prior to visiting.
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Visitors will not be required to wear masks while vising long-term care and assisted living sites, unless specifically required based on a Point of Care Risk Assessment (assessment by a health care worker that masking is required based on the risks of infection, including a resident’s symptoms, the type of interaction with residents, and the environment).
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There will be no restrictions on gatherings, events or activities including visitors, indoors or outdoors, regardless of visitor vaccination status.
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Active screening of visitors is no longer required.
What doesn’t change?
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Sign-in / Sign-out when you come for a visit at a long-term care site or assisted living site
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Practicing hand hygiene to keep germs from spreading
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Not visiting when you are ill
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Wearing a mask if you choose to wear one
