No chance of visitors at B.C.’s long-term care homes for Mother’s Day: Minister Dix
Posted May 7, 2020 7:17 pm.
Last Updated May 7, 2020 7:23 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A ban on visitors to B.C.’s long-term care homes will not be lifted in time for Mother’s Day, according to the province’s health minister.
Adrian Dix said Thursday the risk remains too high to relax restrictions.
“The restrictions that have been placed on visitors in long-term care and acute care must continue. These are very challenging times for residents, for staff and for the families of people in long-term care. We are with you and we will continue to work on this issue,” he explained.
“We know that Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th. We know [this is] one of the many times when people get together. We know that every day is difficult when we can’t visit our parents or our grandparents or our friends.”
RELATED: ‘We have to find a way’: Seniors advocate wants plan to allow visitors at B.C. care homes
Outbreaks have been contained at 18 facilities, but are active at 16 long-term care homes and five acute-care units.
Nearly 500 cases are linked to these 21 clusters, including 280 residents and 180 staff.
Seventy-eight people have died in long-term care homes in the province.
The total number of deaths in B.C. is now 126, with cases are up to 2,288.
The recovery rate remains at 66 per cent.
