In a public safety announcement earlier today, the Saskatchewan Health Authority indicated all acute care hospitals in the Integrated Rural Health system, which covers Southwest and Southeast Saskatchewan, will be moving to Level 1 Family Presence restrictions.

This change will be taking place starting today, with no given end date. 

Some of these changes include:

·       Each patient can designate two essential family/support persons. One person can be present at a time while indoors.

·       No limit on persons present at a time while outdoors.

·       More than two essential family/support persons can be designated for patients in the following areas: intensive care; end-of-life or palliative care.

·       Two essential family/support persons can be present at the same time in these areas: intensive care; maternal, postpartum and pediatric units; end-of-life or palliative care.

Hospitals will continue to maintain entryway screening and mask mandates.