The Government of Ontario will be making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all long-term care home staff.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care announced on October 1, 2021 that all staff, support workers, students, and volunteers will have until November 15, 2021 to show proof that they have received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, or to show proof of a valid medical exemption.
Clarification (Updated October 14, 2021)
If an occupational therapist is providing services to long-term care homes or retirement homes, the occupational therapist should check with the home or homes they work for to determine vaccination requirements.
Long-term care homes must also meet the following requirements:
- Staff who do not have all required doses or a valid medical exemption by the deadline will not be able to enter a long-term care home to work.
- Newly hired staff will be required to be fully vaccinated before they begin working in a home unless they have a valid medical exemption.
- Homes will begin randomly testing fully vaccinated individuals, including staff, caregivers and visitors, to help detect possible breakthrough cases of COVID-19 as early as possible.
Learn more and view the full announcement.