Province Changing COVID Measures in Long Term Care Homes, Getting Rid of Temporary Paid Sick Days

The province is ending the temporary paid sick day program and easing COVID-19 measures at long term care homes

The Ontario government has announced some changes to COVID-19 measures at long-term care homes. 

The changes, which start on March 31st, include the following: 

• Testing of staff, caregivers and visitors who don’t show symptoms (asymptomatic) is no longer required.
• Masking outdoors is no longer recommended for residents, caregivers and visitors, although wearing a mask outdoors continues to be recommended for staff when they are close to a resident.
• Daily temperature checks or screening of residents returning from an absence is no longer required.
• Removing the limit of one caregiver at a time during a COVID-19 outbreak, or when a resident is symptomatic or isolating.
• Social and physical activities can be held without adjusting for physical distancing.

"Over the past three years, the COVID-19 pandemic has required sacrifices from individuals, families, businesses, the health care system and especially the long-term care sector. Thanks to their continued efforts, Ontario has reached a point where it can begin a safe, cautious and balanced reduction of public health measures in long-term care homes across the province," said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. "The health and safety of residents remains paramount, and we will continue to work with the sector to ensure residents and their families receive the level of care they need and deserve, in a safe and comfortable environment."

Residents will still have to be monitored daily, and indoor masking requirements remain in place. 

As well, the province will not extend its temporary paid sick day program. 

Sources tell the Canadian Press the program that provided workers three paid sick days during the pandemic will expire at the end of the month. 

The sources say it will not be replaced with another program, but the government will move forward with plans to provide portable health and dental coverage to workers without benefits. 

The portable benefits program is intended to cover workers in the gig economy, retail and hospitality jobs who don't have benefits, as well as people who may change careers.