The Saskatchewan Health Authority announced Thursday that both of Regina’s hospitals will see family presence and visitation restrictions loosen starting this weekend.

“Due to a decrease in COVID-19 outbreaks at Regina General Hospital and Pasqua Hospital, both hospitals will move from Level Two family presence/visitation to Level One, effective Sunday, May 30,” reads a statement by the SHA. “This change does not apply to units experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, where heightened visitor restrictions apply.”

Level One family presence allows all patients and residents to designate two essential family or support persons to provide in-person support. The SHA says one designated person is with the patient at a time, while timing and frequency of family presence is determined in collaboration with staff, patient and essential family or support persons based on criteria such as patient needs.

More than two people can be designated, and more than two people can be present at the same time, in circumstances of critical care or intensive care units, end-of-life or palliative care, along with maternal, postpartum or pediatric units.

The changes to family presence apply to both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated patients.

“Family members and support people who are permitted must undergo a health screening prior to entering the facility or home. This includes a temperature check and questionnaire,” added the SHA’s statement.

Further details about family presence during the COVID-19 pandemic can be located at the provincial government’s website.