Visitor restrictions expanded at more care homes, hospital in Yorkton, Sask., area

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is expanding visitor restrictions to more care homes and another hospital in the Yorkton, Sask., area.

Visitation is being limited to compassionate reasons only at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Esterhazy.

It also applies to three long-term care homes:

• Langenb​​erg Health Care Complex — LTC
• Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats
• Centennial Special Care Home in Esterhazy

The SHA previously limited visitations at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre — where an outbreak has been declared — and the Yorkton and District Long Term Care Home.

Compassionate reasons include end-of-life care, major surgery, intensive or critical care, maternal and pediatrics and long-term care residents who have specific challenges.

No other visitors will be allowed and the SHA said the restrictions will remain in place until it is safe to lift them.

“The decision to restrict family presence is not taken lightly. These measures are in place to keep you, your loved ones, and health care workers safe,” the SHA said on Oct. 1 in a press release.

Outdoor visits in long term care homes will continue as long as it’s deemed appropriate, said the SHA.

The Yorkton Regional Health Centre and the emergency department will remain open, but the SHA is urging people to visit their family doctor for health care needs.

On Oct. 1, the SHA issued an alert warning the public of an increase of COVID-19 cases in Yorkton and the surrounding area.

That alert was expanded on Monday to include the rural municipalities of Orkney, Fertile Belt and Saltcoats.

COVID-19 outbreaks have also been declared at the Yorkton Regional High School and the Pumphouse Athletic Club, a gym where the community transmission started, say health officers.