People across New Brunswick are now required to show proof of vaccination before they can visit hospitals or health-care facilities.
Visitors of Horizon Health Network and the Vitalité Health Network are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon entry to the hospital matching a photo ID.
There are some exceptions to the new rules that were clarified on Thursday by both health authorities.
The Vitalité Health Network said it will allow for compassionate visitation among those not fully vaccinated if they can show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the 72 hours preceding the visit, have no symptoms, and agree to be accompanied to and from the rooms they plan to visit.
“These visits must be coordinated with the nursing unit,” said Vitalité Health spokesperson Thomas Lizotte.
Lizotte said those visitors must also respect physical distancing and limit their interactions with employees, other patients and visitors.
Those same regulations and compassionate visitation exceptions apply to Horizon Health Network hospitals, which are also allowing for visitation of designated support persons who are not fully vaccinated.
“This includes partners/spouses of expectant/delivering mothers,” stated Horizon Health spokesperson Kris McDavid.
All visitors can expect to experience a series of screening questions upon entry to the facilities. If visitation is ongoing, visitors who are not fully vaccinated must also take a screening test on days 5 and 10.
The health authorities stated the new measures aim to reduce the number of admissions and preserve the health-care system.
“We must be ready to face an increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the days and weeks to come. It is thus important for us to get prepared and ensure that we have the flexibility necessary to react quickly as needed,” said Dr. France Desrosiers, president and CEO of Vitalité Health Network.
The new regulations do not apply to patients.