In response to the mounting number of cases in the province’s north east, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has reinstituted restrictions on regional health and long term care facilities. In a release on July 30, the Health Authority alerted residents in northeast communities about the spike in positive tests. Many of those cases centre in a Hutterite community in the RM of Star City east of Melfort. 

Visitation will be limited in:

  • Hospitals in Melfort, Tisdale, and Nipawin
  • Pineview Lodge in Nipawin
  • Parkland Place in Melfort
  • New Market Place in Tisdale.

Visitation is restricted to other those patients who require compassionate care and support. The SHA notes that compassionate reasons include, but are not limited to family or support persons during end-of-life care, major surgery, intensive care/critical care or a care partner aiding in clinical care (at the discretion of the patient's care provider). 

Those allowed to enter the facilities will be required to complete a health screening and temperature check. Visitors will not have access to waiting rooms or other common areas. 

The Health Authority is also advising family members and support people to consider virtual visits with online communication. The restrictions were placed into effect immediately and until further notice.