OLDS - The rapid increase in Omicron variant infections in the province prompted Mountain View Seniors' Housing (MVSH) and Bethany Didsbury to implement new safety measures effective Dec. 24, say officials.
MVSH chief administrative officer Sam Smalldon announced the changes in a letter to residents and families.
“During this time of rapid community spread of Omicron, we are encouraging residents to carefully consider the elevated risk of gathering with loved ones during this time,” said Smalldon.
He said MVSH has implemented the new measures effective last week.
Visiting persons may use their own seal-checked KN-95 mask. If do they do not have one, a well fitted surgical/procedure mask is required and will be provided by the door screener on arrival (at lodges).
Each visitor will be asked to apply a new KN-95 mask, or an MSVH-supplied surgical procedure mask, in front of the screener at the entrance. Information on how to seal-check a KN-95 mask will be provided at the screening desk.
Additionally, updated screening and rapid testing processes for staff have been implemented to further protect against the Omicron variant entering sites.
MVSH owns and operates seniors lodges in Olds, Carstairs, Didsbury and Sundre.
Bethany Didsbury has also implemented updated health measures, including the same masking and screening requirements as MVSH.
As well, residents being admitted from acute care or returning from a hospital stay of longer than 24 hours must quarantine temporarily when they return to the facility, with quarantine lasting until they receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test.
