Ontario implementing measures to protect those in long-term care facilities from COVID-19

 

The Province has announced it is taking precautions to protect those most vulnerable to the coronavirus. 

As a result of the rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout Ontario, the Province has announced it will be taking measures to protect those in long-term care facilities, as well as their families, and the staff. 

“Ontario recently announced that the province is implementing an enhanced response structure to COVID-19 that brings together a wide range of partners to strengthen and implement provincial and regional plans,” Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, said in a joint statement from the Ontario government. 

Because people living in long-term care facilities are in close proximity to the other residents, they are at a higher risk of experiencing a virus outbreak. 

As a result of this, long-term care homes will begin screening staff, students, volunteers, visitors, new residents, and residents returning to a long-term care home.

Additionally, these individuals will be checked and monitored for symptoms and asked about recent travel history and contacts.

Further, residents, family members of residents, and staff are advised to take precautionary measures to prevent contracting the virus, including: 

• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve;
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
• avoid contact with people who are sick;
• stay home if you are sick; and
• do not visit a long-term care home if you are feeling ill.

“The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Long-Term Care are working together in close cooperation with our partners in both the long-term care and other health care sectors to ensure the continued safety and well-being of residents, families and staff,” the release reads.