Ontario implementing measures to protect those in long-term care facilities from COVID-19
Published March 12, 2020 at 12:01 am
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.
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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.
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