outbreaks also mean residents must remain in lockdown in their rooms, which cause other harms, said long-term care advocate and sociology professor vivian stamatopoulos.
that risk of spread is heightened because the province allows unvaccinated staff members to work at long-term care homes during outbreaks “in order to continue to provide care and services to residents,” according to ottawa public health.
“based on ministry of long-term care and ministry of health guidance and policy, unvaccinated people are allowed to work in long-term care homes, retirement homes and in acute care, regardless of outbreak status,” oph spokesperson donna casey said in a written statement.
the province’s plan to encourage vaccination among long-term care staff will promote widespread vaccination, which is the “best way to protect residents, staff and their families,” minister of long-term care dr. merrilee fullerton said in a media release this week.
the policy takes effect july 1, making ontario the first province to take such action.
the city of ottawa has also been promoting vaccination among long-term care staff with on-site vaccination clinics, including a recent one at centre d’accueil champlain, as well as vaccine education, communication and promotion, said dean lett, director of long-term care with the city in a statement.