The Broadview Union Hospital has become exclusively a COVID-19 hospital. Non-COVID patient care needs will be dealt with at surrounding hospitals and the Broadview Union Hospital will not be open to the general public but will care exclusively for COVID positive patients and known close contacts to COVID positive patients.
The Broadview Medical Clinic will remain open to the public. However access is restricted to the ouside clinic entrance and exit. Lab services are only available on an urgent basis and x-ray services are not available.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says the decision was made due to increased COVID-19 activity in the area. The SHA also stipulates that it is essential for all residents to stay home if they are feeling even the mildest symptoms as an increasing number of cases are residents going to work when sick.
We know that as of today, under new public health guidelines, visitation to long term care facilities and personal care homes is suspended with the exception of compassionate care reasons only. Well that now also applies to the entire Melfort Hospital.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says it is a precautionary measure due to increased COVID-19 activity in the community. Compassionate care reasons may include but are not limited to family or support person during end of life care and patients whose quality of life or care needs are unmet.
Some of the other public health orders that came into effect at midnight include wearing a mask in public places in all communities in the province. The maximum allowable gathering size for private gatherings in the home is being further reduced to five, down from 10. This includes in the home or buildings on your property such as garages and sheds. If your immediate family is five or greater, you can’t have additional visitors.
Any private gathering of more than five people must happen in a public venue. Outdoor private gatherings remain at a maximum of 30 people. Entertainment transportation such as party buses, group limousines, and recreational vehicles are no longer permitted. The province is also highly recommending that if you can work from home, you should do so. These measures will be in effect until December 17th and will then be subject to review.
