Dear Residents, Family Members and Staff:

As you know the governments released its road map for reopening, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures. Along with this the Ministry of Long Term Care has revised Essential and General Visitor guidelines and Absences based on vaccination status effective June 9, 2021.

Designated Essential visitors are encouraged to continue to visit indoors one (1) at a time and/or outdoors two (2) at a time. If you have not already done so, please submit your Covid-19 Vaccine Verification Form. Essential Caregivers that are fully immunized are permitted to support Residents in the dining rooms and to join scheduled activities. Essential Caregivers who are partially immunized or unimmunized are not permitted to enter the dining room during meal times or join activities.

Close contact between Residents and any visitors, including General Visitors, is only permitted when both the Resident and visitor is fully immunized. The Directive defines fully immunized as 14 days following the completion of the prescribed dosage of a Health Canada approved Covid-19 Vaccine. Visitors must show proof at the screening desk. For people who are vaccinated in Ontario the only acceptable proof is the receipt provided by the Ministry of Health.

Some reminders for General Visitors:
• Maximum of two general visitors at a time per resident is permitted outside in addition to essential caregiver(s).
• Outdoor General visitors do not need to undergo a rapid antigen test.
• General visitors need to maintain physical distancing and wear masks and every effort should be made to ensure different groups of visitors are also physically distanced. Therefore, all General Visits will need to be booked in advance by contacting recreation@ioof.com.

There may be some Residents who due to medical reasons as determined by the Medical Director/NP are unable to have an outdoor visit. These Residents will be allowed (1) indoor general visit for compassionate reasons by exception and the Visitor will require screening as well as rapid Antigen testing. One (1) Essential Visitors may accompany this visit.

Resident will be permitted Medical, Social and Temporary absences. Effective June 9th, Short Term – Social Absences are now permitted for fully immunized Residents only. Temporary Absences (overnight) are now also permitted for fully immunized Residents. Prior approval for temporary absences from the home is required. You are asked to complete the Absence Form. Forms are available on our website at www.ioof.com and also at the screening table.

As per Directive # 3, residents who leave the home for an overnight absence are required to have a laboratory-based PCR COVID – 19 test upon return and remain in isolation on Droplet and Contact precautions while their test result is pending.

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

Virtual Visits remain the safest option and can be booked by appointment at recreation@ioof.com.

Essential Visitors / Caregivers are designated and approved by contacting nursingmanagement@ioof.com.

Essential Caregivers we remind you of the requirement to abide by all Public Health requirements, and review PPE and IPAC measures along with the essential visitor & caregiver guidelines listed below.