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Hugs allowed again for vaccinated long-term care residents and caregivers

Directive also allows for communal dining in fully vaccinated LTC homes
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Long-term care residents and their caregivers who are fully immunized can now hug, a new directive issued by the provincial government today states.

The updated directive for long-term care homes states that fully immunized residents and caregivers may choose to have close physical contact beyond what is required for care and supervision.

The directive also allows for long-term care homes to safely resume activities such as communal dining and indoor events and gatherings with precautions.

In a press release issued this afternoon, the province says these moves come in an effort to reintegrate social interaction after high levels of COVID-19 vaccinations were reported in many long-term care homes.

A further directive will allow for social and temporary outings for fully immunized residents once the provincewide stay at home order is lifted.

Homes must provide residents with a medical mask for outings and remind them to maintain appropriate physical distancing and hand hygiene while away from the home.

The guidance also identifies that extra precautions should be taken to support activities in homes that don't meet a threshold of 85 per cent of residents and 70 per cent of staff fully immunized.

      




Riley Barsanti, Community Cares team

About the Author: Riley Barsanti, Community Cares team

Riley is a Communications Specialist and member of the Village Media Cares Team, whose mission is to create meaningful, long-lasting and positive change in the communities we serve.
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