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Ontario bans social visits at long-term care facilities

Ontario Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips, at a podium next to the Canadian flag
Wikipedia
Ontario Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips announced the ban on social visits Tuesday.

Ontario is pausing social visits in and out of long-term care homes because of the Omicron variant.

Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips said that as of Thursday, visits to long-term care homes will be restricted to two designated caregivers per resident. The residents can only go out for essential needs.

Phillips says it's important to reduce exposure.

“We know that long-term care residents face an increased risk of COVID-19. Given the high community infection rates we’re seeing with the Omicron variant, the time for more action is now,” Phillips said. “In addition to the steps we’ve already taken, these new temporary measures will help keep residents safe and help critical staff remain on the job.”

The measure comes as 41 long-term care homes are facing outbreaks.

“We know these measures are difficult for residents and families, but we must stand strong to protect our most vulnerable, which includes residents of long-term care homes,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Earlier this month, the government required all visitors to be fully vaccinated to enter a home and that staff caring for a resident suspected of having COVID-19 to wear a "fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator."

WBFO's Marian Hetherly contributed to this story.

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