Patients being admitted to, or acting as a support person for NRGH's emergency department won't be subject to a new vaccine mandate for visitors to Island Health facilities. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

FULLY VAXXED

Proof of vaccination required to visit Island acute care facilities

Nov 8, 2021 | 12:53 PM

NANAIMO — Island Health is responding to outbreaks inside its facilities by limiting access to people without a vaccination history.

Effective Tuesday, Nov. 9, full vaccination will be required to enter or pass through any acute care facility, including Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, with few exceptions.

The policy covers optional visits and does not impede unvaccinated individuals from receiving medical care, including through the emergency room.

Those under the age of 12, individuals with approval medical exemptions and specific unvaccinated visitors will be excluded from the policy.

Island Health said in a statement, healthcare workers will “consider requests for a visit from an unvaccinated visitor” under certain exemptions, including visits to the ICU, as a support person to an ER admission, visits to critical illness or end-of-life care or visits to the pediatric unit.

young volunteers

'Make a big difference:' Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

1h ago

strong storm

Wind warning issued as Pacific storm approaches Island

2h ago

stepping in

Federal minister asks labour board to intervene in Canada Post strike

4h ago

Additional exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis, including for spiritual or cultural reasons.

The move comes with active outbreaks at two Nanaimo healthcare facilities.

Several patients and staff members have tested positive since Oct. 31 in the transitional care unit of NRGH.

It’s the second outbreak in the unit and fourth overall at the hospital throughout the pandemic.

Island Health also continues to test, contact trace and monitor an outbreak at Chartwell Malaspina care home.

Four residents have tested positive at the facility since Nov. 1.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW