Updates on COVID-19

A Message from the CEO - March 4^th, 2024

Dear Residents, Family Members, and Staff:

Recent trends have shown continued decreases in community level transmission of COVID-19, flu and RSV. While outbreaks can still be expected, we anticipate entering a lower risk period of respiratory illness than we have experienced over the past three months.

Based on the recent trends and projections, and the advice of Ministry of Long Term Care enhanced masking measures are ending effective Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Staff are required to do a point-of-care risk assessment before every resident interaction. This assessment may necessitate the wearing of a mask in non-outbreak situations. Please note the following:

Staff may consider wearing a mask during prolonged direct resident care defined as one-on-one within two metres of an individual for fifteen minutes or longer.
Following respiratory illness staff may return to work 24 hours and are symptom free with no fever and 48 hours if experiencing enteric symptoms but will be required to mask for 10 days.

Masking:

We are a mask friendly Home and masks are available at the Home front entrance and employee entrance.

All staff may choose to wear a mask at any time they are in the Home.

Caregivers and visitors are no longer required to wear a mask, however, it continues to be recommended.

The Resident and/or POA may also request that staff wear a mask during their care as per the Resident Bill of Rights.

Screening Requirements:

Read screening questions posted at entrances of the Home.

Individuals are not to enter the Home if they are not feeling well or fail the screening questions.

We continue to build comprehensive IPAC programs and practices including promoting good hand hygiene as the best method of stopping and preventing the spreading of infections. We encourage residents, staff, and caregivers to get vaccinated, as staying up to date with vaccines is the best way to prevent severe illness. 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.

For VIRTUAL visits ONLY please contact recreation@ioof.com to arrange your visit.

For e-mail communication send an e-mail to: inquiries@ioof.com and our support staff will print and deliver your message to your loved one.

PLEASE READ:

What Residents Can Expect - March 31st 2023

Essential Visitor & Caregiver Designation FORM

(Please note that designation forms are reviewed, processed, and approved Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5pm)

Long Term Care Visitors Brochure

RESIDENT & FAMILY COUNCIL:

Please note that we are sharing important updates with our Resident and Family Council. For the most up to date COVID-19 Resident & Family Communications please visit the following links:

http://www.ontarc.com

https://fco.ngo/news