Long-Term Care Visiting Guidelines Updated

In response to the evolving Omicron situation, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking further actions to protect the health and safety of residents, staff and caregivers in long-term care homes.

On December 30th additional temporary measures went into effect including:

·         Access to long-term care homes by general visitors has been paused.

o   Designated essential caregivers may continue to enter the home.

 ·         Day absences for all residents for social purposes has been paused.

 The measures put in place on December 30th are in addition to the measures announced in mid-December that require all designated essential caregivers to be fully vaccinated* unless they have a valid medical exemption or are attending to a resident in a palliative end-of-life situation. Essential caregivers who were not fully vaccinated were required to have a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by December 20, 2021 and all required doses to be considered fully vaccinated by February 21, 2022. In the interim, designated essential caregivers who are not fully vaccinated are required to restrict their visit to the resident’s room.

 *Fully Vaccinated = received the full series of a vaccine or a combination of vaccines accepted by the Government of Canada (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson); and you have received your last dose at least 14 days prior to your visit.

 ·         Visiting hours are 9 am – 4 pm and visits must be booked in advance by calling 705-356-2265 ext. 2673 or 2350.

o   All staff, students, volunteers, and designated essential caregivers, regardless of vaccination status, require testing at least twice a week prior to entry into the home as part of enhanced screening practices.

While COVID-19 immunizations have demonstrated to be very effective, it is important for Ontarians to not let their guard down in the ongoing fight against the pandemic, in particular with the Delta and Omicron variants. It is essential that all staff, essential caregivers and residents in long-term care homes continue to practice public health measures including screening at entry, masking, physical distancing, hand hygiene and staying home when sick.

For more information regarding Long-Term Care Visiting Guidelines – please contact 705-356-2265 or toll-free 1-888-425-0321 ext. 2673 or 2728.