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Province Introduces Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Long-Term Care Home Staff

Friday, 1 October 2021 13:28

By Linda Morgan

Photo Credit: Rod Phillips Twitter

Beginning November 15th, long term care home staff will need to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or medical exemption.

The province has introduced additional COVID-19 measures for long term care homes. 

Officials say all in-home staff, support workers and volunteers will need to show proof of vaccination or a valid medical exemption by November 15th. 

Any staff not fully immunized by that time will not be allowed to enter facilities, unless they are medically exempt.

The Ontario government also notes homes will begin randomly testing double-dosed individuals including workers, caregivers and visitors to detect possible breakthrough cases as early as possible. 

"We know that long-term care residents have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. As new variants continue to spread, we are seeing a growing number of outbreaks in long-term care homes where the risk to those most vulnerable remains high," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. "This enhanced suite of measures, including mandatory vaccinations for those working in the homes of long-term care residents, is one more way we will provide them the greatest level of protection possible."

As well, homes will continue regularly testing individuals without both shots. 

Phillips says the Delta variant poses a large threat, and vaccination rates among staff in many homes aren't high enough. 

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