Ontario enhances COVID-19 protocols in long-term care and retirement homes

Ontario says it is taking further action to protect long-term care and retirement homes in wake of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Only fully vaccinated people will be able to visit indoors, effective immediately.

Starting Dec. 17, measures put in to place at long-term care homes include suspension of overnight absences for social purposes regardless of vaccination status, a limit of two visitors per resident indoors and four outdoors, and limits on higher-risk activities like singing and dancing.

Staff, who all need to be fully vaccinated to work in the homes, will need to be tested twice per week, along with volunteers and caregivers.

Unvaccinated caregivers have until February 21st to get their second shots.

Starting Dec. 22, retirement homes will require rapid antigen testing two times a week prior to entering. Limitations will also be put on visitors and group activities.

Additional testing and isolation will be required for residents when they return from an overnight absence.

“Faced with rising rates of community infection and the emerging threat of the Omicron variant, we are immediately implementing further measures to protect our most vulnerable based on the best available scientific and medical advice,” says Minister of Long-Term Care Rod Phillips.

“These further measures build on the ones already taken, including mandatory vaccinations, priority for third doses and randomized testing — and will provide the best level of protection possible.”