Ontario has adopted an emergency order to help protect seniors in long-term care homes. The new order allows the province to issue a mandatory management order for long-term care homes struggling to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak.
In a press release this morning the province says a home may require management assistance if they face challenges like a high number of cases among residents or staff, a high number of deaths, an outbreak that has not yet been resolved, significant staffing issues or outstanding requirements from infection prevention and control assessments.
The release states the decision for management support will be made on a case-by-case basis.
“We are doing everything we can to fortify the iron ring of protection around our long-term care residents and the heroic frontline staff who care for them,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By taking this step, we will be better prepared to immediately swing into action if a home is struggling to contain this deadly virus.”
