More than 500 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at continuing care facilities in Alberta and dozens of residents have died.

The concern over the spread of COVID-19 at these facilities has prompted the province to put certain measures in place, including restricting visitation and ramping up testing.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw announced some additional measures for continuing and long term care facilities on Wednesday. Effective immediately, anyone who shows even mild symptoms must immediately be tested and isolated until results come back. If a case of COVID-19 is identified, all residents in the same unit are to be tested whether they have symptoms or not.

Furthermore, staff members caring for isolated residents must wear eye protection, as well as all other PPE including a gown, mask, visor, and gloves. As Hinshaw previously announced, staff are also required to wear masks through the duration of their shifts and work at only one location.

Hinshaw says these measures are necessary to protect those in long term care, but she knows this is causing residents to feel isolated. Therefore, she has announced a new order allowing residents who are not in isolation to enjoy outdoor visits with a designated essential visitor and one other person.

"If their care needs cannot be met by the staff in the facility, we have allowed that ability for operators to allow in one essential visitor to provide for care needs that can't be met by staff," Hinshaw says, adding an outdoor visit can now take place between the resident, their designated essential visitor, and one additional visitor.

"Of course, even while outside, all appropriate precautions must be taken to prevent exposure to COVID-19," Hinshaw says. "This includes physical distancing and requiring all visitors to wear a mask or face covering."

Hinshaw says she doesn't want facilities to be overwhelmed by these types of visitations so asks Albertans to respect the planning processes of individual facilities in order to accommodate them.

"I want to emphasis that restricting visitors into these facilities continues to be necessary to protect the long term safety of staff, residents, and visitors especially at facilities with a confirmed outbreak."

Hinshaw also clarified guidelines when it comes to residents who are nearing the end of their lives.

"Individuals who are dying should have the opportunity to have their loved ones at their side while following the guidance in place to ensure everyone's safety," says Hinshaw. "Stand alone hospice facilities are not affected by these orders and no visitor restrictions are applicable to hospice settings."

The latest information and guidelines can be found HERE.