More restrictions ease Monday in Ontario’s long term care homes

Family Day in Ontario will have a special meaning for many long-term care residents who can now have visits from anyone five years and older who are fully vaccinated.

Starting Monday, general visits from people in that age group who have had at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine will resume in long-term care homes.

The number of visitors per resident at one time also increases from two to three, including caregivers.

All residents, regardless of vaccination status, will now be able to resume social day trips, and residents who have had at least three vaccine doses will be able to go on overnight social absences.

The return of general visitors to homes will mean adult day programs can resume along with the return of entertainers and external personal care services in the homes.

The province says social group activities should remain small, with up to 10 individuals.

On March 14, kids under five can visit again, residents can have four visitors at a time, and all residents regardless of vaccination status can go on overnight absences.

Earlier this month, the maximum number of designated caregivers per resident increased from two to four.

The restrictions had been in place since December in an effort to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

The province says testing requirements for all staff, caregivers and visitors will continue.

Officials will closely monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary to keep homes safe for residents and staff.