Premier Ford announces new rules at Ontario Long-Term Care Homes in COVID-19 hotspots
TORONTO, ON., Oct. 5, 2020 — New restrictions at certain Ontario long-term care homes — Today, the Ontario government announced that it is taking new precautions to protect residents and staff in the province’s long-term care homes. Starting Wednesday, October 7, 2020, general visitors will not be allowed in long-term care homes in City of Toronto, City of Ottawa and Region of Peel.
As COVID-19 infections are on the rise again in Ontario with 615 new COVID-19 cases today, with five new deaths including two in long-term care homes, the province is taking action to protect long-term care home residents in three urban hotspots. Ontario’s latest reported numbers indicate that 289 of the new cases are in Toronto, 88 in Peel, and 81 are in Ottawa.
“The second wave of COVID-19 is hitting some parts of Ontario harder than others,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. “We’re making changes to keep people living and working in long-term care homes safe, wherever they are in the province.”
The province has updated its visitor policy to address areas where there is higher community spread of COVID-19. Starting Wednesday, October 7, 2020, only essential visitors, including up to one caregiver per resident, will be allowed to visit. If the home is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 the local public health unit will provide direction on further visitor restrictions and other measures.
A complete list of homes affected has been posted online. The province will update the list as the areas with higher community spread change. People planning a visit to a long-term care home are advised to contact the home in advance, to make sure the home is free of outbreaks and to get information on the home’s visitor policy and any restrictions.
Direction on safety in long-term care homes will continue to be updated as Ontario’s experience with COVID-19 evolves. The government will continue to make every effort to support the safety and emotional wellbeing of residents and the staff who care for them.
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