December 28, 2021 12:26pm
The provincial government and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health are taking additional measures to help protect long-term care homes.
In a release from Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips, the province states that as of Thursday, December 30th at 12:01 a.m., new restrictions will be put in place at all Ontario long-term care facilities. Firstly, access to long-term care homes by general visitors will be paused. Designated caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes. Additionally, day absences for all residents for social purposes will be paused temporarily in order to protect the most vulnerable from the OMICRON variant.
The release also says the government will “closely monitor the situation in long-term care homes and continue to adjust measures as necessary to keep residents and staff safe.”
“We know that long-term care residents face an increased risk of COVID-19. Given the high community infection rates we’re seeing with the Omicron variant, the time for more action is now,” says Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. “In addition to the steps we’ve already taken, these new temporary measures will help keep residents safe and help critical staff remain on the job. I understand that these new, temporary measures will impact residents’ ability to have close contact with many of their friends and family members,” adds Minister Phillips. “We must remain vigilant against the Omicron variant to protect long-term care residents and staff.”
“We know these measures are difficult for residents and families, but we must stand strong to protect our most vulnerable, which includes residents of long-term care homes,” says Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “I encourage everyone to get their booster shot as soon as possible so we can keep everyone safe with the added layer of protection that the vaccine provides.”
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