March 14, 2020 – In line with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care directives and in abundance of caution and care for our residents, all Southbridge Care Homes Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes across Ontario are closed to essential visitors only. Essential visitors are defined those who have a resident who is dying or very ill. These visitors must continue to be actively screened before entry into our homes. Those who fail screening will not be permitted to enter.
We recognize that this is a significant change for our residents and for caregivers. The health and well-being of all, including our residents, their families, and staff, is our number one priority. As such, proactive measures, such as this, are being taken across the province at all long-term care homes as Public Health continues to look at all possible courses of action to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Our office and Extendicare Assist, our operating partner, are in regular communication with Public Health and the Ministry of Health. We will continue to follow their directives and will re-evaluate this measure in the coming weeks.