July 20, 2021
Hello, everyone.
We are so pleased to see the positive progress in both Ontario and Alberta regarding provincial COVID-19 case counts and vaccination rates. It has been a while since my last memo and given recent changes to Directive #3 in Ontario, I thought I would update you on current protocols.
Ontario
A reminder that the retirement home sector is required to follow the direction of the provincial government, our sector regulator, and local Public Health agencies. The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility (MSAA) and The Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA) have provided a resource, Retirement Homes Policy to Implement Directive #3, which outlines rules for visitation, absences and gatherings.
Visitors. Whether they are General Visitors or Essential Visitors, all visitors to our homes must participate in health screening, book a visit in advance, and adhere to our visiting hours. For extenuating circumstances, please speak with the General Manager. All visitors must wear a medical mask whether they are visiting indoors or outdoors.
Residents. We are happy to re-open our Bistros! At present, the Bistro will be for the enjoyment of residents only. We continue to strongly recommend that residents wear a mask whenever they are outside of their suite, visiting with guests or when they leave our retirement communities. Activities have resumed with group size limits, based on provincial guidelines.
Alberta
A reminder that the retirement home sector is required to follow the direction of the provincial government, our sector regulator, and local Public Health agencies. Alberta Health has provided a quick reference document COVID-19 Restrictions: Licensed Supportive Living, LTC and Hospice which outlines rules for visitation, absences and gatherings.
Visitors. Whether they are General Visitors or Essential Visitors, all visitors to our homes must participate in health screening, book a visit in advance, and adhere to our visiting hours. For extenuating circumstances, please speak with the General Manager. All visitors must wear a medical mask whether they are visiting indoors or outdoors.
Residents. We continue to strongly recommend that residents wear a mask whenever they are outside of their suite, visiting with guests or when they leave our retirement communities. Activities have resumed with group size limits, based on provincial guidelines. We also ask that you notify a team member should you feel unwell.
Please note that Local Public Health Units (LPHU) may alter guidelines depending on risk, including the prevalence of the Delta variant, positivity rates etc., in the greater community. In these instances, in these instances, Seasons protocols will align with LPHU. For example, such as hot zones in Owen Sound and Cambridge in Ontario.
We continue to champion vaccination and infection prevention and control (IPAC) protocols for all staff, residents, families, and friends to ensure a safe and healthy Fall with as few restrictions as possible. What we do now sets the stage for what we can expect during the Fall when the weather changes and more people move indoors.
There continue to be zero COVID-19 outbreaks at a Seasons Retirement Community at this time. As always, I want to thank Seasons team members for their skill, compassion and dedication. Thank you to our residents and their families for your patience and support. We continue to navigate this situation together, and I appreciate the collective commitment to ensuring the health and safety of those who live and work with us.
Sincerely,
LeighAnne Voll
Chief Operating Officer,
Seasons Retirement Communities
For additional online resources for COVID-19 you can visit the following sites:
Canada Health
Alberta Health
Alberta Health Services
Public Health Ontario
Retirement Home Regulatory Authority