Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
As of October 14, 2022, Ontario made the following changes to its COVID-19 requirements for long term care (LTC) homes, as set out in its COVID-19 guidance document.
Screening for COVID-19
Visitors and Caregivers
Active screening of visitors and caregivers when they enter a LTC home is no longer required; however, it continues to be recommended. Visitors and caregivers must self-screen.
Residents
Residents must be screened daily for COVID-19 as well as after an absence.
Masks
Masks continue to be required for LTC home staff and visitors entering LTC homes. Masks are no longer required when visitors or caregivers are alone with a resident in their room; however, they continue to be recommended.
Physical Distancing
To align with other high-risk settings, physical distancing continues to be encouraged and residents are urged to avoid crowded places where COVID-19 can spread more easily. LTC homes have been advised to “continue to adjust activities to optimize and support physical distancing as much as possible.”
Visitor Policy
The limit of four visitors (including caregivers) per resident at a time for indoor visits has been removed. LTC homes can now resume setting their own visitor policies.
Testing
Testing of residents for COVID-19 is no longer required unless they have symptoms.
