Although the province of British Columbia has lifted some restrictions in public spaces, there are still requirements for visitors to hospitals and other acute care facilities. Thank you for taking steps to help keep our facilities safe for patients, visitors, and staff. We also ask you to please stay home if you are sick.
Visitors to long-term care facilities can find more information here.
What are the visitor requirements in acute care?
Visitors must be screened for signs and symptoms of illness prior to every visit
- All visitors will be screened at the point of entry for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Visitors who have signs and symptoms of respiratory illness will not be allowed to visit.
Visitors are expected to be fully vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
- Visitors will be required to be vaccinated and will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19.
Exceptions include:
- Children under the age of 12 years;
- Visitors with an approved medical exemption;
- Visitors in the following care settings:
- Compassionate care (including critical illness, palliative care, hospice care, end-of-life, and medical assistance in dying)
- Pediatric care, labour and delivery
- Emergency department or intensive care unit (ICU)
- Visits necessary to support the patient’s physical care, mental well-being, or decision making
Visitors are required to wear a medical mask.
- All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to follow all infection prevention and control measures, including wearing a medical mask for the duration of your visit. This includes when visiting patients in their rooms and when moving around the facility.
Exceptions include:
- Children under 5 years of age
- A person who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons
- While consuming food or beverages at designated locations
How many visitors are allowed?
Up to two (2) visitors may visit a patient at a time. Visitors are encouraged to work with care providers to determine how best to coordinate visits.
Exceptions include:
- Patients in the emergency room or intensive care unit (ICU) are limited to one (1) visitor at a time
- Patients in pediatric care, labour and delivery, and end-of-life care may be permitted additional visitors – please consult with the care team to coordinate
- Care teams may allow additional visitors on a case-by-case basis to support patients’ spiritual, cultural, and mental well-being
For more information on the provincial orders and policies for visitors to acute and long-term care: