The Government of Ontario has revised its directive on visitation at retirement and long-term care homes. As of September 9, 2020, the province is expanding its indoor visitation regulations, subject to certain conditions outlined below. We know you are eager to continue visits with your loved one during this time of COVID-19 virus. We are requesting that all visitors follow these protocols to limit the potential for exposure to the virus:

  • Visitations must be pre-scheduled with the home outside of mealtimes, may be limited to 30 minutes in length and will be allowed if the home is not be in a current COVID-19 outbreak. The exception is for visits to a resident who is at end-of-life or if you have been designated as a caregiver.
  • In order to promote equitable access, residents may be limited to one general visit per week in either an indoor or outdoor setting, up to 2 people at a time.
  • For indoor visits, visitors must verbally attest to staff that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks and subsequently not tested positive. Please note that the home is not responsible for providing the testing.
  • Visitors must verbally attest to staff that they have reviewed Extendicare’s Visitor policy that includes education on donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) prior to visiting indoors.
  • For outdoor visits, visitors are not required to attest to negative COVID-19 test. Visitors will still be required to bring and wear their own face covering/mask and must maintain the appropriate physical distance (2 metres).
  • Visitors must complete a screening questionnaire that will be asked at each visit. If you do not pass the screening criteria when reviewing the questionnaire, you must reschedule your visit.
  • Visitors must comply with long-term care home infection, prevention and control protocols, including proper use of face or surgical/procedural masks and use of hand sanitizer before and after the visit. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the home.
  • With the exception of service animals, animals are not permitted for indoor visits. They are permitted for outdoor visits.

Please contact your home to discuss details of arranging a visit with your loved one or to get answers to any additional questions you may have.

We thank you for your continued patience and support for our staff and residents during this difficult time