The province is tightening COVID restrictions in the long-term care sector.
One of the most significant changes, that comes into effect immediately, sees all general visitors to a long-term care home needing to be fully vaccinated to enter.
The Ministry will also direct all homes to increase infection prevention and control audits.
The measures are being called temporary, and were a result of consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.
Adding restrictions are in response to an increase in transmission of COVID-19 across the province because of the Omicron variant.
“This means even if it is less severe, with so many people infected, there may be significant demands on the health care system,” explained Dr. Moore. “Strengthening public health measures in our long-term care homes and retirement homes is critical to protecting our most vulnerable against the omicron variant.”
Testing of staff, students, volunteers, and caregivers will be required twice a week, regardless of their vaccination status. Recent data shows that 99 per cent of those in these groups are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Strict health measures within these settings, including masking, distancing, and increased cleaning methods will be enforced.
Dr. Moore was also asked Tuesday about the potential return to virtual learning as we see an increase in cases across Ontario.
“It’s my hope that we keep schools open as long as we can,” stated Dr. Moore “You heard out medical officer of health mantra of first to open last to close. We are reviewing every protocol that we have to make our schools even safer in the face of omicron, and we will be announcing some of those recommendations in the coming days to keep our schools safe.”
“I’m so happy that over 35 per cent of the 5 to 11’s have been immunized, thank you to those families and those children that have come forward. We absolutely are still prioritizing children 5 to 11 to get their first doses, and that strategy will continue for the coming weeks and months.”
Another update from the province regarding the virus is expected on Thursday.
