THUNDER BAY - Families have been unable to visit with loved ones living in long-term care facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic for more than two months, and even though the provincial government will be allowing visitations to resume next week, the union representing long-term care workers in the city say it’s too soon and could still put seniors and staff at risk.
On Thursday, the provincial government announced that as of June 18, long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and other congregate living centres will be permitted to allow visitations under strict conditions.
Kari Jefford, president of Local Unifor 229, which represents more than 4,000 workers in the sector across the region, said the announcement is concerning.
“We are in a critical state right now. We have been doing excellent based on the phenomenal work our health care workers are providing in our facilities here in Thunder Bay and the north,” she said.
“We are concerned there is going to be unnecessary risk to our residents and staff within this sector. It’s a little bit too early I believe.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on long-term care facilities across the province, with outbreaks taking place in more than 300 facilities and more than 1,770 deaths.
In Thunder Bay, two staff members in the sector tested positive for the virus but no residents have contracted COVID-19 and there are currently no outbreaks.
“What’s scary about that is our two cases in Thunder Bay, the two staff members didn’t contract it within the facility but were asymptomatic,” Jefford said. “Without current testing, it could be asymptomatic and spread the COVID virus and it can be deadly. Once it’s in, if a patient or resident tests positive, what you see down east we are going to see up here.”
The province said all facilities must follow strict guidelines, which include only permitting one person to visit per week in an outdoor setting in long-term care, as well as visitors proving they have tested negative for COVID-19 in the previous two weeks.
But Jefford said there are not enough safety measures in place to allow visitations in these facilities at this time.
“It’s moving too quickly without a lot of structure,” she said. “It’s going to place a lot of pressure on the staff and the management teams who have to make these decisions.”
Jefford added that the sector looks to the provincial and federal government to ensure rules and regulations are in place and right now, operators and managers are under a lot of pressure, which is unnecessary at this time.
“We need some clear direction in making sure that people that are owning and operating these long-term care facilities are not influenced by outside influencers,” Jefford said. “It needs to be based on public health.”
Many people have been unable to see their loved ones for months and Jefford said she understands that it is a difficult time for everyone. But the health and safety of staff and residents must be the top priority.
“The goal here is to keep people healthy and alive and we don’t want to see what happened in some of the homes down east,” she said.
St. Joseph’s Care Group, which operates Hogarth Riverview Manor and Bethammi Nursing Home, said in a statement it will be prepared to begin visitations on June 18.
“We are so pleased that our Long-Term Care residents, who have been unable to enjoy in-person visits since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (mid-March), will soon be able to resume visiting with their loved ones,” said Tracey Buckler, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Care Group.
“Our immediate focus is on planning the complex processes that are necessary to meet all provincial requirements and ensure safe outdoor visiting. We anticipate that scheduled visits will start on Thursday, June 18, 2020.”
In-person visits were suspended at St. Joseph’s Care Group facilities on March 17. The process is being put in place to allow visitations in line with provincial regulations and information will be shared on the St. Joseph’s Care Group website on how to schedule a visit.
“I don’t know if we would be in a position or any of our employers would be in a position to open that up right up. Each home will have to assess their ability to do that and look into the recommendations a little more clearer,” Jefford said.
“I don’t think the floodgates are going open wide open. I think it’s a lot of unnecessary added pressure right at the cusp of possibly staying healthy.”
Officials with municipal long-term care facilities were contacted but did not provide comment on plans to resume visitations at the time of publication.
