COVID-19 Hospital Visitor Information

Even as BC lifts some restrictions, masks are still required in all health-care settings. Additionally, visitors - with some exceptions - must show proof of vaccination before visiting. Thank you for help to keep our facilities safe for all patients, visitors and staff. Visitors to long-term care or assisted living can find visitor information here. 

We will continue to screen all visitors before each visit and request that you provide proof of vaccination to enter the site.

The following visitors are not required to show proof of vaccination:

• Children under 12 years old;
• Visitors with an approved medical exemption;
• Visitors in the following care settings:
  • Visits for compassionate care, including critical illness, palliative care, hospice care, end-of-life and medical assistance in dying;
  • Visits to the emergency department or intensive care unit;
  • Support persons/primary care givers in pediatric care, labour and delivery. Learn more about Maternity and Pediatric Care Visitor Restrictions. 
  • Visits necessary to support the patient’s physical care (e.g., assistance with feeding or mobility), mental well-being, or decision-making.

You have a vital role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 
You must wear the medical mask provided to you for the duration of your visit, including when visiting with patients in their rooms. The patient must also wear a mask during your visit unless they cannot wear one for medical reasons.

Why wear a mask
When someone with COVID-19 coughs, speaks or breathes they release small particles that can spread the virus to others nearby. Some people can spread the virus when they are unaware that they have COVID-19. Masks are one of many layers of protection we use to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Exceptions

• A person who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons.
• Children under 5 years of age.
• While consuming food or beverages at a location
• designated for those purposes. Please physically distance (2 metres) from people nearby.

Patients may continue to have up to two visitors, with some exceptions:

• More than two visitors may be allowed for pediatric care, labour and delivery, palliative and end-of-life-care;
• A patient in an emergency room or intensive care unit (ICU) is limited to one support person at a time;
• Care teams may allow additional visitors on a case-by-case basis as they consider spiritual, cultural and other needs for the patient’s well-being.

Visitors are screened prior to every visit and must meet these requirements:

• Provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19
• No sickness or symptoms of COVID-19
• Not tested positive for COVID-19 or been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• Perform hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• Take on and off any required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as instructed
• Go directly to the patient’s location and exit the site directly after the visit
• Wear a medical mask at all times

These guidelines are based on the B.C. Ministry of Health’s guidance.