Families of residents in long-term care homes and personal care homes in Saskatchewan will soon be able to safely spend more time together with their loved ones.

Last week the Government of Saskatchewan announced that, starting April 29, long-term care and personal care homes will be able to welcome an unlimited number of family members or support people, two at a time, to visit fully vaccinated residents if at least 90% of residents have been fully vaccinated and three weeks have elapsed since the last second dose vaccination.

These homes will also be able to allow four family members or support people to visit outdoors.

Everett Hindley, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health, said that the gradual and cautious approach will help keep residents safe, while allowing them contact with their loved ones.

He said, "It's one small step in getting back to the people we love, to see the places we love to go, and the things that we all love to do. And there is much more to look forward to. But the way we will get there, in fact the only way we will get there, is if we all do our part when it's our turn and roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated."

Hindley added that fully vaccinated residents who go on outings will no longer be required to quarantine on their return to the home.