To the editor,
Many seniors living in long-term care continue to face unnecessary exposure to COVID and extreme isolation.
Public health officials have publicly stated that rapid tests are being used in long-term care; however, there is still no mandate on who is to be tested. Many facilities only test ‘essential visitors,’ while other homes test staff just once a week and no visitors at all. There is no clarity or consistency around who should get rapid tests and how often.
The province has publicly stated that everyone should be able to have at least one visitor. This is still not current practice at many LTC homes across our province. Individual LTC homes are once again making up their own rules determining and redefining ‘essential visitor’ requirements and declining too many requests by family to visit even palliative seniors. Families and their loved ones in care are distraught once again at the completely inhumane separation from each other. My sincere and heartfelt thanks to those homes that continue to allow visitors, your vision and care are a light in a very dark world. Everyone needs someone, let’s make sure that happens.
Why isn’t the provincial health officer keeping our loved ones safe? Why are her recommendations not enforceable mandates? Why doesn’t she make them clear and not open to individual interpretation?
The seniors in long-term care are once again being put in harm’s way by the very people charged with their care and safety. Dr. Bonnie Henry, this is not OK.
Mary Dewar, Nanaimo
The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin.
Letters policy: Letters should be no longer than 250 words and will be edited. Preference is given to letters expressing an opinion on issues of local relevance or responding to items published in the News Bulletin. Include your address (it won’t be published) and a first name or two initials, and a surname. Unsigned letters will not be published.
Mail: Letters, Nanaimo News Bulletin, 777 Poplar St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2H7
Fax: 250-753-0788
E-mail: editor@nanaimobulletin.com