A local member of the Ontario legislature has urged the provincial government to move forward on allowing better access to those in long term care facilities.
Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky, of the NDP, rose on the floor of Queens Park Monday afternoon to question the government on the status of Bill 203, the More Than a Visitor Act, which would allow better access to patients in LTC homes for caregivers and family members, who have been restricted from seeing their loved ones since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020.
Gretzky said that with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines taking place, it should be easier for LTC patients to make contact with loved ones and caregivers.
"The majority of long-term care residents across the province have been vaccinated against COVID-19, designated caregivers are being vaccinated too," said Gretzky. "Meaningful access can happen in a safe manner with proper PPEs, testing, and infection control measures in place."
Gretzky also pointed out that many residents have been isolated in these facilities since the pandemic began, with some not even feeling the outdoor sun or fresh air for the duration.
In response, Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, acknowledged that human interaction is vital, but it's important to listen to the experts when it comes to the risk of transmission.
"We now have vaccines, as you mentioned," said Fullerton. "We now have testing. We now have additional measures. However, the science is still evolving. We must continue to be vigilant."
Fullerton specifically mentioned cases of COVID-19 variants, which have a tendency to be more contagious, but Gretzky cited the current number of cases in LTC and retirement facilities, which as of Monday, consisted of ten new cases provincewide.
Bill 203 has passed the first two readings, but it has been stalled in committee since September 2020.