Anne contacted our office and told us she had been restricted from visiting her husband, Karl, who lived in a long-term care facility due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ten years ago, Karl suffered brain damage from an accident and as a result, he was easily confused and distracted, and it could take him a long time to eat. Anne would visit Karl every day and assist with his care, including bringing extra food and taking extra time to feed him to ensure that he ate one complete meal per day. Since visits had been restricted, Karl had lost about 30 pounds. Anne’s doctor had sent a letter of support so she could be declared an essential visitor, but Interior Health had not responded to the request.

As we investigated, a COVID-19 outbreak in Karl’s facility was declared over and our questions helped expedite Anne’s essential visitor exemption request to the Medical Health Officer. We were advised shortly thereafter that the Medical Health Officer approved Anne as a visitor, with conditions.