Starting Wednesday, residents in long-term care in Ontario will be able to see more of their loved ones.
The Ontario government has amended directives so those who have been fully immunized can leave their long-term care home for day and overnight trips.
Those with mobility or health issues that can not leave can have one general visitor in addition to an essential caregiver at the long-term care home.
Perhaps the most uplifting, residents and visitors can hug again. That is whether they are immunized or not. Those that have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can hold hands.
"Thanks to high immunization levels, residents and their families can resume more of the activities that contribute to their quality of life," said Minister of Long-Term Care Doctor Merrilee Fullerton.
All visitors, staff, and residents will still have to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and stay at home if they are ill.
As of May 30, approximately 97 per cent of long-term care residents in Ontario were fully immunized, and 89 per cent of staff have had at least one dose.
