Ontarians visiting loved ones in long-term care will now be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
On Tuesday, the Ontario government announced several new temporary health measures for nursing homes and retirement homes in an effort to protect residents, staff and caregivers from COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.
Starting immediately on Tuesday, all general visitors to a long-term care home will need to be fully vaccinated to enter.
“As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant and see its impacts on other jurisdictions around the world, it is critical we provide those at greatest risk from COVID-19 in our congregate care settings with an extra layer of protection against this new enemy,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, in a news release. “By strengthening public health measures in these settings, we can ensure our most vulnerable are kept safe and shielded from the threats posed by Omicron and other variants of concern.”
In addition, beginning on Friday, all staff, volunteers, and caregivers, regardless of vaccination status, will need to be tested at least twice a week prior to entry into the home. Visitors and support workers who provide essential services to a resident or to the facility will also be required to provide a negative test upon entry to the facility.
All caregivers will also have to be fully vaccinated to attend the long-term care home, unless they have a valid medical exemption.
Limits to the number of visitors and social day trips for nursing home residents are also being implemented.
Staff, volunteers, and essential caregivers at retirement homes will also need to be tested twice a week beginning on December 22. As well, visitors will have to take a rapid antigen test before entering a retirement home.
Retirement homes are also being strongly encouraged to limit the number of visitors and restrict visitors to those who are fully vaccinated.
“Our priority is to protect long-term care residents from COVID-19. Faced with rising rates of community infection and the emerging threat of the Omicron variant, we are immediately implementing further measures to protect our most vulnerable based on the best available scientific and medical advice,” said Minister of Long-Term Care Rod Phillips. “These further measures build on the ones already taken, including mandatory vaccinations, priority for third doses and randomized testing — and will provide the best level of protection possible.”
As of the end of November, the province said 99 per cent of long-term care staff, students and volunteers are fully vaccinated. As well, more than 86 per cent of eligible long-term care home residents have received three doses of the vaccine.
The Ministry of Health said more than 83 per cent of eligible retirement home residents have received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine as of December 10.