Proof of COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for staff at Ontario LTC homes
Posted May 31, 2021 5:10 pm.
Ontario announced a policy making it mandatory for staff in long-term care homes to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, documentation of a medical reason not to be vaccinated or participate in an educational program about vaccination.
Homes will be required to track and report on the progress of their COVID-19 immunization policies.
The province’s associate medical officer of health said the policy is important in the sector that saw thousands of deaths and infections from COVID-19.
Dr. Barbara Yaffe said such policies might be applied to other jobs later on.
“Show proof that you have been immunized for COVID-19,” said Yaffe.
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“Show proof from a medical doctor or nurse practitioner that you have a valid medical exemption, a medical reason why you cannot get the vaccine or you take an educational course which will go through the benefits and information about the vaccine.”
Ontario says loosened pandemic restrictions placed on long-term care homes in early May. The new rules allow homes to safely resume communal dining, indoor events and gatherings.
The provincial government says once the current stay-at-home order is lifted, it will issue further direction that allows social and temporary outings for fully vaccinated residents.
With files from The Canadian Press
