Province imposing changes to restrictions for residents of long-term care facilities in Ontario

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Published June 29, 2021 at 1:42 pm

The Province has announced it’s making changes to the restrictions in place for residents of long-term care facilities.

These changes will come into effect on July 7 and are intended to align more closely with the rest of the restrictions for Ontarians in Step 2 of the Province’s reopening plan.

As part of the updated regulations, residents will be permitted to have outdoor visits with up to 10 people, all residents will be permitted to have two general visitors and two caregivers for an indoor visit, Cohorting of residents can be relaxed during outdoor activities, and personal care services will resume.

Additionally, there will no longer be a limit on the number of people who can be designated as a caregiver by a resident or their substitute decision-maker.

Further, close physical contact—such as hugs—is now permitted between fully immunized residents and fully immunized general visitors, and brief hugs are permitted for all visitors and residents regardless of vaccination status.

“As we cautiously and safely reopen the province, no one deserves to enjoy the reopening more than long-term care residents, their families and the staff,” Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care, said in a news release.

“As we head into summer, long-term care residents will be able to spend more time with their friends and families thanks to the efforts of people across Ontario rolling up their sleeves and getting vaccinated,” he continued.

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