The Ministry of Long-Term Care is further easing some of the restrictions that were put into place in LTC homes in December. This cautious and phased approach was developed in consultation with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Effective Monday, April 11th:

• The maximum number of designated essential caregivers per resident is 4 (unless designated before December 15th).

• Social DAY/NIGHT absences may resume for ALL residents, while supporting these residents with information about the benefits of limiting contact with others, including avoiding large social gatherings, following masking and physical distancing, and only being in close contact with people who have had three COVID-19 vaccine doses. These residents are subject to screening and testing upon return.

• All general visitors, including children under the age of 5, can visit homes. Visitors (including caregivers), with the exception of children under the age of 5, need to follow the vaccination policy of the individual long-term care home. 

•  4 (four) visitors may visit a resident at one time. (Any combination of caregivers and general visitors)

• Continuing to provide social group activities which must remain as small groups (i.e. up to 10).

• Outdoor visitors are not required to supply vaccination status, and do not need to test. Must wear a mask.

As a reminder, Essential Caregivers must have 3 (three) doses of a vaccine to enter the home unless they are visiting a resident receiving end of life care. Until fully vaccinated, these caregivers will be limited to visiting their loved one in their room. General Visitors must have 2 (two) doses of a vaccine to visit.

Surveillance Testing:

• All staff, students, and volunteers must be surveillance tested at least 2 times per week.

• All caregivers, general visitors and support workers must be tested each time they enter the home.

**PLEASE NOTE: Swabbing clinic hours are Monday-Friday 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM. Please arrange your visit within these times.

Starting January 4, 2022, all individuals will be required to use the QR code as proof of vaccination. The QR code can be used digitally or by printing a paper copy. Those without a phone or a computer may get their QR code at their local library, Service Ontario center, or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their vaccine certificate mailed to them. Those with medical exemptions will also be required to have a QR code.

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

Vaccines for Designated Caregivers: 

COVID-19 Vaccine Screening and Consent Form

VISITORS AT THE HOME:

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

Your 3 Options for Visiting at the HOME are as follows:
Option 1 – Safe Virtual Visits – No Risk
Option 2 – Safe Partitioned Patio Visits (Max 10 visitors) – Weather permitting. No visits during Winter.
Option 3 – Outdoor Visiting (Max 4 visitors at one time) - Weather permitting. No visits during Winter.

Option 4 - Indoor Visiting - No longer need to be scheduled - (Maximum 4 general visitors at one time. Must be fully immunized with proof and subject to surveillance testing)

PLEASE READ:

What Residents Can Expect - April 11th 2022

Key Messages to Families - March 9th 2022

Snapshot of Visiting/Absences/Social Gatherings - March 14th 2022