Long-Term Care Homes COVID-19 Update

Current as of January 14, 2022 at 11:30 a.m.

Throughout the past weeks, there has been a surge in COVID-19 cases across the province. Our homes are experiencing a rising number of high-risk exposures, as well as probable and confirmed cases, resulting in some Resident Home Areas (RHAs) going into precautionary isolation or outbreak due to confirmed COVID-19 cases. RHAs are put into precautionary isolation if there is one or more high-risk exposure; RHAs are put into outbreak status if there is one or more confirmed COVID-19 cases.   

Please be advised, as the situation continues to evolve, we will no longer be posting on our website about any deaths in the home related to COVID-19. This follows our practice not to post about any other deaths in the home on the website.

Please refer to the chart below for up-to-date information on active cases and areas in isolation and outbreak:

*Resolved is an indication that residents have met the criteria for symptom improvement and are no longer considered infectious.  It is not an indication that they have recovered or of their overall clinical/medical state due to the impacts of COVID-19. The residents remain in isolation and the appropriate PPE must still be used until the outbreak is declared over.

Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home.

For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker.

Important reminders:

• As of January 4, 2022:
  • Registered essential caregivers must show a QR code vaccination certificate along with photo ID upon entry into the home.
• As of December 31, 2021:
  • Access to long-term care homes by general visitors is paused.
  • Designated essential caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes but are limited to two caregivers per day, with only one visiting at a time and visits must occur in the resident’s room.
  • Please avoid coming to the screening desk between 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. due to the volume of testing that needs to be completed at shift change.
  • Day absences for all residents for social purposes is paused.
  • Medically necessary absences are permitted
    • When a resident returns from a medical absence, the resident will receive an RA test and PCR test, and the resident will be isolated until a negative PCR test is received.

These additional measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of residents, staff, and caregivers in long-term care homes. As always, we continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required.

Thank you for your understanding as we move forward through this difficult time. The health and safety of our residents—and the team members who care for them—remains our highest priority.

Current as of January 14, 2022 at 2:50 p.m.

Throughout the past weeks, there has been a surge in COVID-19 cases across the province. Our homes are experiencing a rising number of high-risk exposures, as well as probable and confirmed cases, resulting in some Resident Home Areas (RHAs) going into precautionary isolation or outbreak due to confirmed COVID-19 cases. RHAs are put into precautionary isolation if there is one or more high-risk exposure; RHAs are put into outbreak status if there is one or more confirmed COVID-19 cases.   

Please be advised, as the situation continues to evolve, we will no longer be posting on our website about any deaths in the home related to COVID-19. This follows our practice not to post about any other deaths in the home on the website.

Please refer to the chart below for up-to-date information on active cases and areas in isolation and outbreak:

*Resolved is an indication that residents have met the criteria for symptom improvement and are no longer considered infectious.  It is not an indication that they have recovered or of their overall clinical/medical state due to the impacts of COVID-19. The residents remain on isolation and the appropriate PPE must still be used until the outbreak is declared over.

Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home.

For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker.

Important reminders:

• As of January 4, 2022:
  • Registered essential caregivers must show a QR code vaccination certificate along with photo ID upon entry into the home.
• As of December 31, 2021:
  • Access to long-term care homes by general visitors is paused.
  • Designated essential caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes but are limited to two caregivers per day, with only one visiting at a time and visits must occur in the resident’s room.
  • Please avoid coming to the screening desk between 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. due to the volume of testing that needs to be completed at shift change.
  • Day absences for all residents for social purposes is paused.
  • Medically necessary absences are permitted
    • When a resident returns from a medical absence, the resident will receive an RA test and PCR test, and the resident will be isolated until a negative PCR test is received.

These additional measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of residents, staff, and caregivers in long-term care homes. As always, we continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required.

Thank you for your understanding as we move forward through this difficult time. The health and safety of our residents—and the team members who care for them—remains our highest priority.

Throughout the past weeks, there has been a surge in COVID-19 cases across the province. Our homes are experiencing a rising number of high-risk exposures, as well as probable and confirmed cases, resulting in some Resident Home Areas (RHAs) going into precautionary isolation or outbreak due to confirmed COVID-19 cases. RHAs are put into precautionary isolation if there is one or more high-risk exposure; RHAs are put into outbreak status if there is one or more confirmed COVID-19 cases.   

Please be advised, as the situation continues to evolve, we will no longer be posting on our website about any deaths in the home related to COVID-19. This follows our practice not to post about any other deaths in the home on the website.

Please refer to the chart below for up-to-date information on active cases and areas in isolation and outbreak:

*Resolved is an indication that residents have met the criteria for symptom improvement and are no longer considered infectious.  It is not an indication that they have recovered or of their overall clinical/medical state due to the impacts of COVID-19. The residents remain in isolation and the appropriate PPE must still be used until the outbreak is declared over.

Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home.

For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker.

Important reminders:

• As of January 4, 2022:
  • Registered essential caregivers must show a QR code vaccination certificate along with photo ID upon entry into the home.
• As of December 31, 2021:
  • Access to long-term care homes by general visitors is paused.
  • Designated essential caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes but are limited to two caregivers per day, with only one visiting at a time and visits must occur in the resident’s room.
  • Please avoid coming to the screening desk between 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. due to the volume of testing that needs to be completed at shift change.
  • Day absences for all residents for social purposes is paused.
  • Medically necessary absences are permitted
    • When a resident returns from a medical absence, the resident will receive an RA test and PCR test, and the resident will be isolated until a negative PCR test is received.

These additional measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of residents, staff, and caregivers in long-term care homes. As always, we continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required.

Thank you for your understanding as we move forward through this difficult time. The health and safety of our residents—and the team members who care for them—remains our highest priority.

Current as of January 10, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

Throughout the past weeks, there has been a surge in COVID-19 cases across the province. Our homes are experiencing a rising number of high-risk exposures, as well as probable and confirmed cases, resulting in some Resident Home Areas (RHAs) going into precautionary isolation or outbreak due to confirmed COVID-19 cases. RHAs are put into precautionary isolation if there is one or more high-risk exposure; RHAs are put into outbreak status if there is one or more confirmed COVID-19 cases.   

Please be advised, as the situation continues to evolve, we will no longer be posting on our website about any deaths in the home related to COVID-19. This follows our practice not to post about any other deaths in the home on the website.

Please refer to the chart below for up-to-date information on active cases and areas in isolation and outbreak:

Please note that if you are the emergency contact or Power of Attorney (POA) for a resident who tests positive, you will be contacted directly by the home.

For additional details on COVID-19, please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Data Tracker.

Important reminders:

• As of January 4, 2022:
  • Registered essential caregivers must show a QR code vaccination certificate along with photo ID upon entry into the home.
• As of December 31, 2021:
  • Access to long-term care homes by general visitors is paused.
  • Designated essential caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes but are limited to two caregivers per day, with only one visiting at a time and visits must occur in the resident’s room.
  • Please avoid coming to the screening desk between 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. due to the volume of testing that needs to be completed at shift change.
  • Day absences for all residents for social purposes is paused.
  • Medically necessary absences are permitted
    • When a resident returns from a medical absence, the resident will receive an RA test and PCR test, and the resident will be isolated until a negative PCR test is received.

These additional measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of residents, staff, and caregivers in long-term care homes. As always, we continue to follow all IPAC, Public Health and Ministry requirements and will update this site as required.

Thank you for your understanding as we move forward through this difficult time. The health and safety of our residents—and the team members who care for them—remains our highest priority.

Recent RAVE Calls

January 7, 2022 - COVID-19 Outbreak Hummingbird Circle

Durham Region Public Health has declared a COVID-19 outbreak on Hummingbird Circle. The outbreak is limited to the Hummingbird Circle home area and is affecting one resident. Outbreak measures, including enhanced monitoring and isolation, is in effect. Should your loved one become symptomatic, you will be notified as soon as possible.  

Full droplet and contact precautions are required while on this Resident Home Area and only one registered essential caregiver may visit a resident at a time.

The health and safety of our residents and staff remains our highest priority. We appreciate your patience and understanding in remaining vigilant in protecting our residents and staff.

FAQ's  - I'm a family member and would like more information

Last updated: December 20, 2021

Should you have any questions, please reach out to a member of the management team at the home.

Why did the province put in temporary enhanced measures for long-term care homes?

These temporary measures are necessary to provide optimal safety and support to residents while balancing the mental and emotional well-being of residents and their families, and to safeguard the staff who are critical to the care of the residents.

What are the new requirements to visit?

Effective December 15 at 7 p.m., general visitors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter a long-term care home. Registered caregivers will be required to show proof of receiving one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by December 20, 2021 and the second dose by February 20, 2022.

Do I need to be tested prior to arriving at the long-term care home?

No, you will be tested upon entry into the home. Upon arrival, caregivers and visitors will be asked to change into a home-issued surgical mask, be actively screened, and then immediately proceed to rapid antigen testing. You will be asked to remain in the swabbing area until the test can be read (approximately 15 minutes).

How many people can visit?

A maximum of two people (caregivers and visitors) per resident at a time for indoor visits, and four people (caregiver and visitor) per resident at a time for outdoor visits.

Can children visit?

Children over the age of one year old are considered general visitors and must be fully vaccinated to enter a home. This means that children under the age of 12 will not be permitted at this time. The only exception is for infants under one year of age who are not considered visitors and may enter the home without being subject to surveillance testing or the vaccination requirement.

What proof of vaccination is needed at the screening desk?

Upon arrival to the home, the screener will ask for proof of vaccination and a photo ID. Starting January 4, 2022, all individuals will be required to use the QR code as proof of vaccination. The QR code can be used digitally or by printing a paper copy. Those without a phone or computer may get their QR code at their local library, Service Ontario centre, or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have their QR Code vaccine certificate mailed to them. Until that time, homes can continue accepting vaccination proof by QR code or using the receipt provided at the time of vaccination.

Where can I go while visiting?

Visiting can occur in resident rooms, in the hallways of the home area, home area lounges, and TV rooms. Homes are advised to cohort residents as much as possible to their home areas. Visiting in common areas off the home areas is permitted, however must social distance from all other residents and visitors. Residents are recommended to wear a mask (if tolerated) while in the common areas.

Where a caregiver is not fully vaccinated, the visit is restricted to the resident’s room.

Should the home be placed into an isolation, precaution situation or outbreak, the home will then determine the visiting area locations, and provide direction to visitors and caregivers.

Are visitors allowed to eat and drink in the home and remove their mask while in the resident’s room?

No, visitors and caregivers must remain masked at all time while in the home. Fully vaccinated caregivers and general visitors may accompany a resident for meals to assist with eating, however the visitor should always remain masked and not eat with the resident.

Are activities are still permitted?

To support the mental health and well-being of residents, activities within the home – such as communal dining, social activities and exercise classes – continue to be permitted, but large group activities are discouraged and residents will be cohorted on their home areas for any high-risk activities, such as dining, singing and dancing.

Are there specific visiting hours?

Visiting hours during this time begin at 8 a.m. and visitors must be screened before 8 p.m.; visitors are permitted to remain in the home beyond 8 p.m. This does not apply to end-of-life visitation, which remains 24/7.

Can I take my loved one home for Christmas and/or a day outing?

Overnight social visits are suspended temporarily. Fully vaccinated residents are permitted to partake in social day absences. Residents are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, wash hands frequently, limit contact with others, avoid crowds and large social gatherings, and gatherings with unvaccinated people. Physical distancing is strongly encouraged and to only be in close contact with fully vaccinated people, especially when eating and singing.

What happens when the resident returns home from the outing?

Upon return from a day social absence, the resident will be actively screened. Residents will then receive a rapid test and a PCR test on day three post absence, followed by a PCR test on day seven. No quarantine is required unless a positive result is received. Residents will be monitored daily for symptoms, including daily temperature checks.

Do Individuals taking a resident on a day absence require testing?

No, individuals only require testing if they are entering the home or taking part in an outdoor visit.

Can a resident leave for a medical appointment?

Yes, medical appointments are still permitted, regardless of the resident’s vaccination status.

What happens if I test positive with COVID-19 and I have recently visited or spent time with a resident?

Please call and advise the home immediately. The home will consult with Public Health to determine risk and timing of the exposure, and be advised if any isolation and testing is required of the resident and/or the home area.

FAQ -  I’m a community member and would like to thank staff

Your support and encouragement means the world to our team. A simple thank you goes a long way. You can send us a note electronically, and we will share it with the team. For the health and safety of our residents and staff, we are not accepting donations of homemade food or other gifts.

If you have other items you would like to donate, please check with our home administration first.