Niagara Health is lifting some visitor restrictions and is now arranging indoor visits with residents and their loved ones at its Extended Care Unit (ECU) in Welland.
The new rules were put into action today.
In addition, two visitors at a time are now welcome for both indoor and outdoor visits.
Outdoor visitors are no longer required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test; however, indoor visitors are required to provide proof of a negative test within the previous two weeks of every visit.
Outdoor visits are taking place in a custom-designed visiting booth at the ECU's front entrance while indoor visits will take place in the ECU main lobby.
Since June 18th, the ECU has welcomed more than 200 visitors back to its home.
"Families have been really understanding and appreciate the fact that we¡¦re doing everything we can to keep their loved ones safe,"says Lezlie Leduc, Programs and Services Manager at the Extended Care Unit. Residents are so happy to see their family again, but the hardest part for everyone is that they can't hug and hold hands," she says. "Our outdoor visiting booth has been great because they¡¦re able to put their hands up to each other on the plexiglass."