Visitors will once again be allowed to visit residents in Ontario’s long-term care homes.
More COVID-19 public health measures were lifted on Monday that will now allow additional visitors in long-term care homes. As well, adult day programming and external care services can now resume.
As of February 21, general visitors five years and older who have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to resume visits. The number of visitors able to visit will increase from two to three, including designated caregivers.
Under previous measures, only caregivers were allowed to visit with LTC members. That measure has been in effect since December, 2021.
As well, all long-term care home residents, regardless of vaccination status, will be able to resume social day trips, and residents who have had at least three vaccine doses will be able to enjoy overnight trips.
Ontario says that as of March 14, general visitors under five years old will be able to resume visits, and the number of visitors will increase from three to four. As well, all residents, regardless of their vaccination status, will be able to go out overnight.
COVID-19 testing requirements for all staff, caregivers and visitors continues to be in place. Ontario has indicated that they hope to remove mandatory vaccination policy requirements by March 1.