Some visitors can return to B.C. long-term care homes after COVID shutdowns

Residents at long-term care facilities in British Columbia are now able to have in-person visits after months of being limited to virtual meetings or phone calls because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says restrictions stopping family visits to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable people will now be eased to allow one designated person to see a long-term care resident.

She says the designation could be expanded to allow more visitors in the future, but she wants to start slowly.

Henry says she is immensely aware of the impacts the restrictions have had on residents and family members, but brighter times are ahead now that the COVID-19 risk has been lowered in B.C.

Visits at provincial long-term care homes were restricted to essential, only since March in an effort to protect residents and prevent the spread further of COVID-19.

Health Ministry data shows of the 174 COVID-19 deaths in B.C., 122 were elderly people in long-term care, assisted living facilities or hospitals.