Families that have loved ones in Portage la Prairie care homes will soon be able to visit family members in a more intimate fashion as Southern Health operated facilities will be hosting outdoor visiting sessions with residents.

Director of Health Services for Portage la Prairie and Area, Shauna Sanderson, explains how visits will work.

"We are allowing up to two visitors at a time. When visitors arrive at our site, they do need to be screened, so we can ensure everyone is healthy, and they have not had any travel history or known exposure to COVID-19. Unfortunately, our indoor visits remain suspended with exceptions in place for compassionate reasons and end of life cases."

Care homes are starting with one visit per resident a week due to the demands, but will look at expanding the service.

Sanderson says if you're uncomfortable with in-person visits, there are alternate arrangments.

"We are doing virtual visits by phone-calls at the windows, which can be done by appointment through our recreation department. We have tablets and iPads coming, which are going to allow us to do video chats with our residents and families. We're trying to keep our families connected during this time."

Sanderson stresses traditional mail is a great way to keep in touch as well.

"People can send letters and cards by Canada Post. We are not allowing people to hand-deliver items to loved ones like cards. If they want to continue to send things by Canada Post, they are more than welcome to."