Living with COVID-19, Flu, and other Infectious Diseases

Masks are still recommended during visiting

Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended

Long Term Care homes follow the Ministry of Health directives in the BC Visitor Guideline from the BC Centre for Disease Control. Vaccinations, rapid testing, and health screening are no longer required for visitors. However, we continue to provide masks while visiting in the Lodge and we encourage visitors to be vaccinated to protect our residents, many of whom are frail. Thank-you for your patience and understanding.

Our Current Visitation Plan

General Principles

• Visitation between residents of a Long Term Care Home and their family and friends introduces a risk of transmission of COVID-19, the Flu, and other infectious diseases to and from the resident and the facility staff.
• The safety of residents and the Care Team is the priority.
• Visitors, residents, and Blenheim Lodge staff must comply with the infection prevention and control requirements for COVID-19.
• If either the resident or the visitor is ill or has symptoms of illness, the visit should not occur.
• This plan is reviewed monthly by Blenheim Lodge and modified as needed and updated in accordance with direction provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control, BC Ministry of Health, and Vancouver Coastal Health.

Visitor Guidelines

• Masking is no longer required, but is encouraged.
• Screeners are not at the door — Please consider your current state of health before entering Blenheim Lodge.
  • Do not visit if you are ill or have symptoms of illness.
• Clean your hands often using soap and warm water, or use alcohol-based hand rub (dispensers at entrance and on walls).
• Sneeze or cough into your elbow instead of into your hands.

February 2025