PHILIPSBURG:--- The White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) has normalized its visitation policy due to the low positivity rate of Covid-19 tests on the island for the last month. Regardless of vaccination status, visitors can now visit their loved ones indoors, and social distancing is optional. However, the mask mandate remains in place for all visitors, as we care for the more vulnerable in our society.
Now that the pandemic is transitioning into an endemic phase and the country is going back to normal, the WYCCF will gradually scale back its preventative measures. Visitation is very important for our clients, as this is the moment where they see their loved ones and are informed about the rest of the family. These moments directly affect the quality of life, and due to the stricter preventative Covid-19 measures, our clients haven’t been able to receive visitors indoors in the last two years. With the low numbers of infections on our island and the high vaccination and booster rate of clients and staff, indoor visits can resume safely. For those opting to continue their outdoor visits, this remains possible on our porches and in our gazebos.
The mask mandate for visitors will remain in place, and the WYCCF staff will be on hand to remind anyone to mask up and wear it properly. The staff will also continue to wear a mask while working with the clients and when within 6 feet of others. The WYCCF is very happy to take another step towards normalcy but emphasizes that we must stay vigilant as new virus variants may emerge. However, normalizing its visitation policy is a step forward, and the WYCCF will take the next step when the situation allows it.
The WYCCF would like to encourage those who have a loved one at the WYCCF to make use of the new policy and come to pay them a visit, as they genuinely appreciate it.
