The Ministry of Long-Term Care is working with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health to update COVID-19 response measures through a phased approach. The first phase involves winding down COVID measures for those living and working in LTC that are no longer appropriate or necessary.

Effective Friday, March 31^st 2023:

• Asymptomatic Rapid Antigen testing is no longer required for staff, students, volunteers, support workers, caregivers and visitors.

  
  

• Indoor masking requirements remain in place. The recommendation for residents, caregivers and visitors to mask outdoors has been removed, but remains in place for staff when in close proximity to a resident.

• Screening requirements - all staff, students, volunteers, support workers, care givers and general visitors are required to passively screen prior to entering the Home by reading the screening questions posted at entrances and continue to self-monitor while in the Home, self-monitoring posters will be posted with the screening questions and throughout the Home with directions.




• All visitors entering the building will be required to sign in and out each time they enter the Home.




• The Home will continue to promote self-monitoring for symptoms of any infectious diseases to prevent the spread of illness and continue to monitor residents daily to detect the presence of infection. Standard IPAC measures for Residents who become symptomatic will be implemented. 




• During outbreak or when a resident is isolating the limit of one essential caregiver at a time is removed. Public Health will determine general visitor restrictions for any particular outbreak or heightened surveillance.




• The COVID-19 vaccine mandate has been removed for staff, students, volunteers, support workers, caregivers, and visitors. Although the Ministry has removed this mandate, the IOOF Seniors Homes Inc. highly recommends that all staff, students, volunteers, support workers, caregivers and visitors continue to get any vaccines/boosters etc. that become available.

It continues to be important that Residents, family, visitors and staff adhere to Public Health measures, including good hand hygiene and masking. The health and safety of our Residents, and the team members who serve them, is our highest priority.

Sincerely,
Garry C. Hopkins, CEO

- SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO EVOLVING DIRECTIVES - 

Important Links:  

Government of Ontario Website

Please review the following before your next visit:

https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/ipac/ppe-recommended-steps
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-fullppe-on
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-fullppe-off
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/videos/ipac-handwash

VISITORS AT THE HOME:

Both indoor and outdoor visits have no limits for visitors. During outbreak, essential caregivers are welcome, and general visitors may be restricted based on Public Health guidance.

PLEASE READ:

What Residents Can Expect - March 31st 2023