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Relaxed visiting guidelines in effect for local long-term care homes

By Kim Leduc Oct 14, 2022 | 8:02 AM



The District of Kenora Homes and Community Support Services have announced new guidelines when it comes to visitation. 

This comes after two and a half years of ups and downs with COVID-19, and the Ministry of Long-Term Care in collaboration with the Ministry of Health have updated the COVID-19 guidance document for long-term care homes.

” We know COVID-19 will continue to evolve and circulate within the community, along with other respiratory viruses, including influenza.  However, we also know how to protect ourselves and prevent severe illness,” DKH. 

Effective Friday October 14th, 2022 following are the changes to the visitor guidelines:

  • There is no longer a requirement to designated essential caregivers (unless your loved one is placed on isolation)
  • There is no longer a limit on the number of visitors.  Although we must keep within the requirement for physical distancing.  We recommend no more than 4 visitors to keep within this requirement.
  •    However, visitors can remove their mask when alone with the resident in their room for purposes of enjoying food or beverages.  Please note:  if another resident or staff member enter the room, the mask MUST be immediately put on.  As well, when the visitor leaves the resident’s room.
  • Testing of residents is no longer required unless they have symptoms. Daily screening of residents for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and screening of residents upon return from an absence continues to be required.
  • Visitors must be fully immunized for COVID-19
  • Visitors will continue to be screened and swabbed for COVID-19 upon arrival
  • Visitors may join in on resident activities, understanding masks MUST be worn and maintain physical distancing as much as possible.

District of Kenora Homes for the Aged operates 3 homes in the region to serve your communities elderly. Pinecrest – KenoraPrincess Court – Dryden and Northwood Lodge – Red Lake.