March 9, 2022- Pandemic Response Updates – Easing of Measures
by Ministry of Long-Term Care
In consultation with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ministry of Long-Term Care is pleased to announce further easing of the temporary measures that were put in place during the Omicron wave. We are continuing to move forward with a view to achieving the right balance between the risk of COVID-19 infection and supporting overall resident quality of life, health and wellbeing based on the current pandemic situation.
The attached Associate Deputy Minister memo (and supporting documents) provide information regarding changes to public health measures that come into effect on March 14, 2022. These changes include shifting to a guidance-based approach to support long-term care homes with employer-led immunization policies, updating the testing directive to reflect the latest advice of public health experts, as well as adjusting measures related to visitors, resident absences and resident cohorting. The following documents are available for your review:
- Memo from the Associate Deputy Minister of Health: Long Term Care Pandemic Response Update
- COVID-19 Guidance Document for Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario
- Minister’s Directive: COVID-19: Long Term Care Home Surveillance Testing and Access to Homes
- Key Messages to Support Residents and Families (EN)
- Key Messages to Support Residents and Families (FR)
- Visitor Absences and Social Gatherings Snapshot (EN)
- Visitor Absences and Social Gatherings Snapshot (FR)
- COVID-19 Policies: What Residents Can Expect in Long-Term Care Homes (EN)
- COVID-19 Policies: What Residents Can Expect in Long-Term Care Homes (FR)
- Pandemic Response Frequently Asked Questions