Visitor restrictions begin to ease Monday in Ontario long-term care homes

Ontario is easing some COVID-19 restrictions in long-term care homes.

Residents in long-term care can now start taking social trips and see more caregivers.

Last week, the provincial government announced it would be lifting some restrictions at the facilities.

Starting Monday, the maximum number of designated caregivers per resident will increase from two to four and will continue to be subject to a limit of two per resident at one time. Residents who have had at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine will also be able to resume social day trips.

General visits from people five years and older who have had at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine will resume on Feb. 21. The number of visitors per resident at one time will also increase from two to three, including caregivers.

At that time, all residents, regardless of vaccination status, will be able to resume social day trips, and residents who have had at least three vaccine doses will be able to go on overnight social absences.

The return of general visitors to homes will mean adult day programs can resume along with the return of entertainers and external personal care services in the homes.

Social group activities should remain small, with up to 10 individuals.

On March 14, kids under five can visit again, residents can have four visitors at a time, and all residents regardless of vaccination status can go on overnight absences.

The restrictions had been in place since December in an effort to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The province says testing requirements for all staff, caregivers and visitors will continue.

Officials will closely monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary to keep homes safe for residents and staff.