Previously, masks were only required when direct care was being provided to residents.

The ministry said COVID activity may peak in the next few weeks, which is around the same time that influenza and respiratory synctial virus (RSV) cases are projected to rise.Īll facilities are now mandated to require all staff, students, support workers and volunteers to wear a mask when in resident areas indoors. In a memo to licensees, the ministry cited recent trends that have shown a moderate-to-high level of community transmission of COVID-19, and an increase in COVID outbreaks in long-term care homes with an increased risk of hospitalization among residents. The Ministry of Long-Term Care ordered long-term care facilities in Ontario to introduce the measures as of Tuesday. THUNDER BAY - Long-term care homes in Thunder Bay and across the region have implemented enhanced masking measures under instructions from the provincial government.