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Island Health, province to require proof of vaccination for acute care visitors

Children under 12, those with medical exemptions excluded from requirement
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Starting Nov. 9, acute care facility visitors will need to show proof of full vaccination. (Black Press Media file photo)

Visitors to Island Health hospitals will now need to be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination for entry, the health authority confirmed in a release Monday (Nov. 8).

READ MORE: Island Health hits new record for single-day COVID-19 cases

The Government of B.C. recently amended its acute care visitors policy to include these requirements, Island Health stated, adding the mandate is intended to “protect vulnerable patients and care providers” against COVID-19 and takes effect Tuesday (Nov. 9).

According to the health authority, visitors who do not comply or are unable to demonstrate they are fully vaccinated will not be able to enter.

Exceptions apply to children under 12, those with approved medical exemptions and unvaccinated visitors who meet “specific care setting criteria.”

READ MORE: COVID-19 outbreak declared in Nanaimo hospital unit

Unvaccinated visitors to the emergency department and intensive care units – as well as those attending acute care facilities for critical illness, end-of-life care, pediatric care and labour and delivery – may also be allowed entry on a case-by-case basis.

More information about visiting someone in hospital in Island Health can be found online at www.islandhealth.ca.


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