Ontario adding more restrictions to long-term care homes

Ontario says it is taking further actions to protect the health and safety of residents, staff and caregivers in long-term care homes.

It says temporary measures at long-term care homes will go into effect at 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30.

The measures include:

• Access to long-term care homes by general visitors will be paused. Designated caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes.
• Day absences for all residents for social purposes will be paused.

“We know that long-term care residents face an increased risk of COVID-19. Given the high community infection rates we’re seeing with the Omicron variant, the time for more action is now,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. “In addition to the steps we’ve already taken, these new temporary measures will help keep residents safe and help critical staff remain on the job.”

The government says it will closely monitor the situation in long-term care homes and continue to adjust measures as necessary to keep residents and staff safe.

Earlier this month, Ontario put in place policies in long-term care homes including the requirement that all general visitors need to be fully vaccinated to enter a home.

The province also requires all staff caring for residents with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 to wear a fit-tested, seal-check N95 respirator.

“I understand that these new, temporary measures will impact residents’ ability to have close contact with many of their friends and family members,” said Minister Phillips. “We must remain vigilant against the Omicron variant to protect long-term care residents and staff.”