**** NSHA Media Release
Visitor restrictions changing in facilities in Central Zone, Annapolis and Kings counties
Increased visitor restrictions are being implemented in some areas across the province to reflect COVID-19 activity.
As a result of recent changes in case numbers and epidemiology in certain areas of the province, visitor restrictions are changing in facilities in Central Zone, as well as in Annapolis and Kings Counties effective Friday, Dec. 18.
These decisions are being made to control and contain the spread of COVID-19, keep COVID-19 out of hospitals, and keep patients, health care workers, and all Nova Scotians safe.
Two designated support people per day for:
• palliative care and other patients nearing end of life
• patients receiving medical assistance in dying
• children under 18 admitted to hospital
• labour and birth
One designated support person for:
• hospital inpatients
• children under 18 in outpatient settings
• prenatal visits
• outpatients, including patients arriving at the hospital for emergency and ambulatory care clinics, appointments or procedures who need support to receive care due to physical, intellectual, cognitive and emotional conditions
• patients requiring support for critical treatment decisions such as organ transplantation, initiation of hemodialysis at the discretion of the clinical team
There are no changes to the current visitor restrictions for the rest of the province.
View all visitor restrictions during COVID-19: http://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus-home/nova-scotia-health-visitor-restrictions
We understand restrictions are difficult for patients and families and appreciate the important and valuable role family caregivers’ play in supporting patient care and mental-wellbeing.
We monitor the situation closely and will make changes when appropriate.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.