Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and health minister Adrian Dix have announced a number of changes in long-term care and assisted living to ease visiting restrictions, resume important social activities for residents, and require mandatory testing for workers that are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
As of July 19, family and friends no longer need to pre-book visits in advance and there is no longer a limit on the number of visitors. Visitors who can demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask in a resident’s room or other meeting place. Indoor social activities across units, and outdoor gatherings that include visitors, will also resume.
Details of the July 8 announcement by PHO and Minister of Health
In addition, adult day programs and in-facility respite services will resume.
“This is great news for residents and their loved ones after a very difficult and at times devastating 16 months in our care homes,” says Hospital Employees’ Union secretary-business manager Meena Brisard.
“HEU members will be thrilled to welcome these visitors into our care homes. These new opportunities to be with loved ones, and participate in other social activities, are critical to residents’ health and well-being.
“We must ensure resources are in place to support these changes, including adequate staff to support the screening of more visitors after July 19,” said Brisard.
Dr. Henry will also order all long-term care and assisted living operators to provide public health with the COVID-19 immunization status of staff. Workers not fully vaccinated will continue to mask at work and undergo testing for COVID-19 three times a week.
HEU is reviewing the changes to ensure workers’ rights are protected and respected.
Dr. Henry also announced that she will amend the single-site order in order to facilitate relief staffing by fully vaccinated workers. Although there are few details available on how these changes would be implemented, there is a commitment to working with unions and health employers to find ways to address serious staffing shortages during the summer months.
Wage-levelling under the single-single site order is in place until at least the end of the year, and government has committed to continue levelling up wages beyond the pandemic.