The latest announcements by Ontario Premier Doug Ford regarding the gradual resumption of visits to Long – Term care homes, Retirement and other residential care settings as of July 22,20 has provided the much – needed relief to seniors residing these facilities and to their families. BUT we must all remember that the health and safety of seniors and the team/staff around them should be the priority and it is a responsibility that should be taken very seriously. We should all continue to follow directions from public health officials and other clinical experts regarding the best infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures to take to avoid transmission of the COVID – 19 virus and must keep up to date about changing situations in our community at all times.
Premier Ford said ” I ask everyone to be cautious and act responsibly as the battle to COVID – 19 is not over and the risk to our loved ones still remains.”
As we resume in person visits, we must keep the alternate means (virtual) of connections and engagement open, to limit the on- site visits to futher mitigate the risk. This also prepares you and your loved one for second wave if it must hit and we all know what to expect and can quickly adapt. Following are some suggestions to keep in mind (you are probably already practicing some of them):