Backlash over Alberta permitting COVID-positive support persons for maternity patients grows
Edmonton -
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is receiving backlash on social media for its policy regarding designated support persons for maternity patients, permitting those individuals to be positive for COVID-19 in certain circumstances.
In a Twitter thread Saturday, AHS said the exemptions have been in effect since July and are granted under exceptional circumstances only. The COVID-positive essential support person must inform the medical staff prior to arrival, and follow a number of precautions.
Those precautions include the support person wearing a mask at all times, and maintaining physical distance from every person, except the patient and the infant.
The Twitter thread has received a number of replies from people alarmed by the policy.
Exemptions for COVID-positive and symptomatic support persons are also available for pediatric patients, and adult dependents.
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