Staff, visitors and others who are fully vaccinated will no longer be tested for COVID-19 at long-term care homes.
The province is lifted the testing requirement tomorrow.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people will still need to be tested.
“Based on the latest scientific evidence and best medical advice, we are removing the requirement of repeated surveillance testing from asymptomatic caregivers, visitors and staff who are fully immunized. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people will still need to be tested to ensure a greater level of protection for residents and staff,” says Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care.
“These changes are made possible because of the incredible efforts of millions of Ontarians who rolled up their sleeves and got vaccinated.”
“Thanks to dedicated vaccination efforts in the long-term care community, we are one step closer to a return to normal life in our homes,” says Donna Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Long-Term Care Association.
The ease of repeated testing of asymptomatic people coincides with the province’s move to Stage 3 of the reopening strategy.
