COVID-19 Live Updates: News on coronavirus in Calgary for Sept. 16

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AHS releases new website to schedule visits to continuing care sites

Alberta Health Services released Wednesday a new website for people to schedule their visits to loved ones at continuing care sites.

The website, AHS.ca/ccvisit, only works with sites operated by AHS, Capital Care, Carewest and Covenant Health. In Calgary, only Carewest locations Colonel Belcher, Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre, Garrison Green, George Boyack, Glenmore Park, Rouleau Manor, Royal Park, Sarcee, and Signal Pointe are currently offering online scheduled visits. Other Calgary continuing care centres are listed, but only offer the ability to schedule appointments by phone.

“Visits with loved ones and support persons are a crucial part of the care we provide. Scheduling visits with residents ensures we can support regular visits while minimizing the risk of transmission to residents and staff,” said AHS President and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu in the release. “It’s important that continuing care residents stay emotionally and socially connected to their loved ones.”

The tool is being launched in phases, according to a release from AHS.

The online request form allows Albertans to select dates and times of visit; if the request can’t be accommodated, Albertans will receive an email directing them to request a different date or time.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important that we keep continuing care residents and staff healthy and safe, while also supporting visitation with loved ones and support persons,” Minister of Health Tyler Shandro said in the release. “Online tools have played a key role in keeping Albertans safe during COVID-19, and this is an example of that.”