Ryman Healthcare is enforcing new rules for non-vaccinated visitors.

The company is requiring anyone who is unvaccinated who wishes to visit loved ones in care centres to contact the Village Manager so a suitable COVID-safe visit can be arranged.

This will include: the visit occurring in a dedicated and separate space outside of the care centre, full PPE for the visitor to wear, shortened visits, and cleaning the visiting area between visits.

The company is asking visitors not to bring in under 12s to the care centre until the number of vaccinations in the general population increase.

“If you are visiting a resident in palliative care, we will work with you to allow this to happen. Once again, please talk to the Village Manager.”

“Please be aware that you may be asked for evidence of vaccination when making your entry declaration.”

“This is a high risk time for us while we wait for better vaccination rates in the community but we want to assure you that we will make every effort to provide a COVID-safe visit while we continue to look for ways to keep our residents safe.”

“Otherwise, for anyone who is vaccinated who wishes to visit a resident in care, the process remains unchanged. This includes having a temperature check and wearing a mask, with visits limited to two people at a time.”

“Visitors to our serviced apartment residents are also required to check in, have a temperature check and wear a mask.”

Compulsory check-ins

The Government has introduced mandatory scanning or check-ins in New Zealand so that everyone’s movements can be easily traced in case of a COVID-19 outbreak.

This means everyone must check in when they enter our village centres either by using the Tracer App or manually.

Residents must also check-in when visiting other places outside the village, including public venues such as restaurants. Don’t panic if you do not have a smart phone – businesses are required to provide forms to do this manually.

It may be a good idea to keep a personal diary of where you have been and when, including who has visited in your village home.