Ontario allows outings for long-term care residents

Residents at Ontario long-term care homes will now be able to leave their facilities for ‘short-stay’ and ‘temporary’ absences.

For short-stay absences, the province has asked homes to provide masks and reminders about social distancing to the resident.

When they return, the person will have to be screened but will not require a test or self-isolation.

The province has also allowed residents to have overnight absences but has left it up to long-term care homes to decide if it is safe based on their unique circumstances.

Some circumstances include local COVID-19 transmission rates, the resident’s ability to comply with health measures, and the risk associated with the purpose of their trip.

In order to maintain the safety of others, when the resident returns from their overnight trip, they have to self isolate for 14 days.

“This is a day we have all looked forward to, and it is my hope that these welcome changes will improve our residents’ quality of life, while keeping them safe,” said  Minister of Long-Term Care, Dr. Merrilee Fullerton.

“As Ontarians begin to resume their pre-COVID activities, residents in long-term care will be able to get out and about in their communities and spend time with loved ones again.”