Those who have family and friends in long-term care facilities and retirement homes across the province will soon be able to visit their loved ones.
The provincial government announced on Thursday that it will be lifting visitor restrictions at long-term care homes, retirement homes and other residential care settings next week. Visits to these facilities have been restricted since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We know the visitor restrictions have been tough on residents, as families and loved ones play an important role in providing care and emotional support to residents. We are confident these visits can occur safely," said Minister of Long-Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, in a news release.
The province said beginning June 18, long-term care homes will allow outdoor visits of one person per resident each week at a minimum. Retirement homes will resume indoor and outdoor visits in designated areas or resident suites when physical distancing can be maintained. Other residential care settings will be able to allow outdoor visits of two people at a time.
"With the possible spread of COVID-19 in our long-term care homes still being a real threat, people will need to follow strict health and safety protocols in order to protect our most vulnerable," said Fullerton.
The decision to resume visitations at Ontario's care facilities was made following consultation with the chief medical officer of health, the province said.
Visitors will be expected to abide by strict health and safety protocols when they are in the homes. All visitors must pass active screening every time they visit and confirm that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks. Visitors must also comply with infection prevention and control protocols such as bringing and wearing a face mask.
"I ask everyone to be cautious and act responsibly as the battle to contain COVID-19 is not over and the risk to our loved ones still remains," said Premier Doug Ford in a news release.
Visitation will not be allowed at any care facility currently experiencing an outbreak, and all homes must have an established process for communicating visitor protocol and safety procedures. Infection prevention and control standards must also be maintained at all times.
The province added that all staff and residents at Ontario's long-term care homes have been tested for COVID-19 or are in the process of being tested.