Long-term care homes in Regina have restricted visits after a recent increase of COVID-19 cases in the facilities.
Family can only visit during end-of-life care, the Saskatchewan Health Authority said in a news release Monday.
It said COVID-19 outbreaks are either confirmed or suspected at seven of Regina’s long-term care homes.
Outbreaks were declared at Parkside Extendicare, Regina Lutheran Home, Pioneer Village and some units at Wascana Lutheran Home. An outbreak was suspected at Extendicare’s Sunset and Elmview homes, as well as Santa Maria Senior Citizens Home.
There needs to be two confirmed COVID-19 cases in a long-term care facility in Saskatchewan for it to be declared an outbreak.
The health authority did not say how many cases were in the affected Regina care homes.
“The safety of residents, their families and staff at these homes remains our highest priority,” Dr. Rashaad Hansia, executive physician for integrated urban health, said in the health authority’s release.
“Communication with all those immediately impacted has been occurring throughout the weekend to ensure they are aware of the increased level of risk, and how we are addressing it.”
Most of those infected have not displayed symptoms, nor have they required hospitalization, the health authority said.
It said regular testing will continue for staff and residents.
The Saskatchewan government said there was a delay in reporting new COVID-19 cases Monday.
“Public Health is working to address the issue and we anticipate regular reporting will resume again (Tuesday),” the government said in a tweet.
On Sunday, the province reported 220 new cases of COVID-19.
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