Effective January 6, 2025, Northern Health has implemented a mask mandate to protect staff, patients, and the public during the flu season as they have seen an increase in respiratory infections.
All facilities that are licensed through Northern Health are required to follow these measures, including some Connexus facilities. Masks will be required at Aurora Home for all staff and visitors, and at Riverside Place in Vanderhoof and Pioneer Lodge in Fort St. James, pursuant to the Northern Health mandate.
Masks will not be required to be worn if visiting a single resident/patient room. Masks will also not be required in communal/common areas, hallways, elevators, and stairwells.
If you have any questions, or need clarification on whether you will need to wear a mask for the duration of your visit, please ask one of our staff or managers.
Here are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions from Northern Health:
Q: What are the masking requirements for visitors in Long-Term Care and Seniors Assisted Living?
A: Visitors in Long-Term Care DO NOT need to wear a medical mask when:
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- Visiting a single resident in a private room
- Visiting a single resident in a multi-bed room
- Visiting a single resident in a common area
- Providing care to a single resident
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Visitors participating in a group activity should mask, but it is not mandatory.
Visitors who are visiting multiple residents in a single visit MUST mask and must visit sick resident last.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the masking requirements for visitors?
A: Exceptions to the mask requirement include:
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- People under the age of 5 years old
- People unable to wear a mask because of a health condition, developmental delay, physical or mental impairment
- People unable to put on or remove a mask without help from another person
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If you would like more information on these measures, visit https://www.northernhealth.ca/services/home-community-care/long-term-care-homes