PHILIPSBURG:--- The White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) has updated its visitation policy now that the number of active cases on the island has dropped considerably and welcomes family and friends to visit their loved ones while adhering to the new guidelines.
Since the rise of active cases in August 2021, the WYCCF has adopted a stricter Covid-19 visitation policy. Because our residents are among the highest risk groups, it is crucial to shield them from the virus and prevent a possible outbreak within the facility.
However, these policies make it more difficult for family or friends to visit.
Some clients haven't seen their loved ones in a while due to this strict and limited policy. Especially for the older and more vulnerable clients, this impacts their quality of life. Therefore, since the numbers have dropped, it is time to take one step back to normality.
The WYCCF has updated its Covid-19 visitation policy, which entails that visitation hours returned to normal, and without the necessity of making an appointment. If both client and visitor are vaccinated, the visitor can go into the clients' room, and no social distance is required. If the client OR visitor is not vaccinated, the visitor cannot enter the building and has to visit on the porch, with strict social distancing. The use of a facemask, strict hand hygiene, and no contact with other clients applies to everyone. Proof of vaccination is required upon entry.
The WYCCF hopes to be able to return to pre-covid times as soon as possible. However, even though the numbers are dropping, the delta variant is still circulating. And with our national vaccination level and a busy tourism season ahead, we must stay careful, as the safety of our clients is always our priority. That being said, the WYCCF believes that these guidelines are safe enough to allow visits to happen safely. Therefore, we would like to encourage those who have a loved one at the WYCCF to come to visit them, as they genuinely appreciate it.
