The Ministry of Health, working with the provincial health officer, has developed updated guidelines to support visits between family members and residents of long-term care and seniors’ assisted living homes.
All visitors must:
be screened for signs and symptoms of illness, including COVID-19, and possible exposure to COVID-19, prior to every visit;
wear a mask for the duration of the visit;
maintain two-metres of physical distance where possible; and
practice hand and respiratory hygiene (cough/sneeze etiquette).
Under the current guidelines for social visits, residents can visit with one designated family member or friend*. Visitors will be able to socialize in specific areas identified by staff. Visits must be booked in advance and will not be allowed if there is an active COVID-19 outbreak at the residence.
Essential visits may not need to be scheduled in advance. If there is another family member or friend providing essential care, only one visitor is allowed at a time – the exception being for palliative and end-of-life care, where more than one visitor may be permitted.
In addition to visits in person, we also encourage you to stay in touch with your family or friend at the facility either virtually or remotely.
*Facility staff/operator can approve a change to the designated visitor under extenuating circumstances; for example, if the visitor moves away or becomes ill and is unable to visit.