Local News

Ontario long-term care homes will stop general visits thanks to the Omicron spike.

Ontario’s Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips said the policy will take effect tomorrow. The goal is to reduce the risk of exposing vulnerable residents to the virus as it circulates in the community.

The following temporary measures at long-term care homes will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021:

• Access to long-term care homes by general visitors will be paused. Designated caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes.
• Day absences for all residents for social purposes will be paused.
• Only two designated caregivers per resident will be allowed to visit (which allows family to be present with their loved ones).

The government will closely monitor the situation in long-term care homes and continue to adjust measures as necessary to keep residents and staff safe.