THUNDER BAY – Residents of long-term care homes can again see general visitors outdoors as of Saturday, but at least some local LTC homes say the province’s last-minute announcement means they won’t be ready to accommodate the change until next week.
The provincial government announced Friday afternoon it would allow outdoor visits with up to two general visitors, along with up to two essential caregivers, to begin the following day.
The move came “in response to improvements in key public health care indicators,” the government said, as daily COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations in the province decline.
It also took into account high vaccination rates, with an estimated 96 per cent of LTC residents fully immunized with two doses as of May 21 according to provincial figures. Meanwhile, 87 per cent of staff and 99 per cent of essential caregivers had received at least a first dose.
“With the excellent uptake of vaccines in long-term care homes, it is the right time to make this very meaningful change that will benefit residents and their families,” said Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton.
The timing of the province’s announcement Friday afternoon left the City of Thunder Bay unable to implement the change until next week at Pioneer Ridge and Jasper Place.
“Staff are eager to implement this step to a gradual reopening, but due to the extreme short notice, additional time will be needed to initiate the steps required to operationalize these welcomed visits early next week,” the city said in a statement Friday.
Two homes operated by St. Joseph's Care Group, Hogarth Riverview Manor and Bethammi Nursing Home, had implemented the changes Saturday, a representative indicated.
Other local LTC operators did not immediately respond to requests for comment from TBNewswatch Saturday.
The changes to provincial policies require general visitors to be actively screened upon arrival, and specifies they should not proceed beyond entry points in homes. However, general visitors do not need to undergo rapid testing.
Visitors must maintain physical distancing and wear masks, even outdoors.
Children under two years of age don’t count toward the limit of two general visitors per resident.
For homes without adequate outdoor space, visits may take place in the general vicinity of the home.
“Homes should leverage nearby amenities such as local parks or parkettes to enable family and friends to visit their loved ones,” stated the province.
