Visiting restrictions at long-term care homes will tighten Thursday at 4 p.m.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority announced late yesterday afternoon that long-term care homes and affiliates in Integrated Rural Health for the south east, south central, and south west are moving to level 1 for family presence restrictions because of increased community transmission of Omicron.

Level 1 means that each resident can designate two consistent essential family-support persons. Only one can be present at a time indoors.

There's no limit to outdoor visitors.

More than two essential family/support people are allowed for end-of-life situations or palliative care. Two people can be present at the same time in those areas.

The move to Level 1 will be re-evaluated in two weeks. The health authority said they'll return to Recovery Phase family presence as soon as possible.