More friends and family can now visit a loved one in area long-term care homes.
Starting today two visitors are allowed to meet with a resident outside only.
It’s not yet clear how many regional homes will be implementing the new rules over the long weekend but there are reports that Princess Court in Dryden is not at this time.
The province says improving COVID-19 conditions and an uptake in vaccines make it possible to ease restrictions.
The following changes have been made by the provincial government:
-A maximum of two general visitors at a time per resident in addition to two essential caregiver(s).
-Children under the age of two years do not count towards the general visitor maximum.
-General visitors need to be actively screened upon arrival and should not proceed beyond entry points / areas in homes.
-General visitors do not need to undergo a rapid antigen test as their visit will be outdoors.
-General visitors need to maintain physical distancing and wear masks and every effort should be made to ensure different groups of visitors are also physically distanced.
-Recognizing that not all homes have enough outdoor space, these visits may also 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.
According to provincial numbers 96% of long-term care residents are fully immunized, 99% of essential caregivers and 87% of staff have received at least their first dose.
