Nova Scotia Health to require vaccination proof for hospital visitors

Starting next week, all support visitors will be required to show full COVID-19 vaccination

HALIFAXtoday\ Chris Stoodley

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Starting Oct. 13, Nova Scotia Health will require all support people, family and visitors to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination when entering its facilities.

“This includes those identified as designated family/support people by patients in the hospital, as well as those accompanying patients who are coming to a hospital or clinic for a scheduled test, appointment or procedure,” a news release says.

Exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons such as emergencies and end-of-life care.

In an exception, people will be required to follow additional infection prevention and control measures to ensure everyone’s safety.

However, proof of vaccination will not be required for people seeking or receiving care or treatment.

“We know how important it is to have loved ones present while a patient is in the hospital,” the news release says. “Proof of full vaccination is intended to provide a layer of protection against the spread of COVID-19 so that we can continue to safely maintain family presence while reducing the risk of introducing or transmitting COVID-19 within our facilities.”