The Ontario government is setting more restrictions for long-term care homes in response to a surge of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant across the province.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health said it has taken further steps to protect the health and safety of nursing home residents, staff and caregivers, by restricting access to visitors and limiting how often residents can leave the homes.
“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,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care, in a news release. “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.”
General visitors will not be permitted access to homes starting on Thursday at 12:01 a.m. Going into effect at the same time, residents will temporarily be unable to leave the homes for social purposes.
“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,” said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore in a news release.
The province said it will continue to adjust measures at long-term care homes as needed, depending on the situation.
“I understand that these new, temporary measures will impact residents’ ability to have close contact with many of their friends and family members,” said Phillips. “We must remain vigilant against the Omicron variant to protect long-term care residents and staff.”
Earlier this month, the Ontario government made vaccination a requirement for general visitors to enter long-term care homes. All staff, volunteers, and caregivers, regardless of vaccination status, must also be tested at least twice a week prior to entry into the home.
Ontario reported 8,825 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, with 187 patients being treated for the virus in ICUs across the province.
