COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) Information

Ontario is now in Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen. Follow the restrictions and public health measures.

COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) Information

Last update: September 1, 2021

Please continue to visit this page as it will be updated regularly.

The Home continues to operate with enhanced infection prevention and control measures for our residents and staff including ongoing disinfecting of common areas and high touch surfaces, hand hygiene, the appropriate use of PPE, physical distancing and cohorting measures, and twice daily Active Screening for all residents and staff. The home is currently undergoing regular rapid antigen testing for all unvaccinated staff, visitors and contractors.

Visits and Absences

Visiting Guidelines – July 16, 2021

On July 16^th, the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopening entered Step 3 including updates specific to Long Term Care Homes. Further changes as outlined in Directive #3 will be shared on this site when available.

There will no longer be a limit on TWO Essential Caregivers per resident. However, it is still the responsibility and decision of the resident or POA/SDM to decide who can be deemed an Essential Caregiver. There is still the same application process by stating intentions to visits@groveparkhome.on.ca and Nikki Latour will get back to applicants with more information.
Children and pets are now permitted to visit indoors. Children over 2 years of age MUST be Rapid Antigen Tested. Children under 2 years of age will not be tested, nor do they count as one of the visitors. Fully vaccinated children (12-17) are exempt from testing.
General Visitors are permitted to visit indoors. We encourage all general visitors to our Home to complete online IPAC training.
Rapid Antigen Testing will apply to ALL those who enter our home unless we have documented proof of being fully vaccinated (14 days post second dose). Be prepared to show proof of your vaccine when you enter the home to avoid the Rapid Antigen Test process.
Grove Park Home provided surgical masks must be worn at all times when visiting inside the home.
Outdoor visits are now accommodated for an unlimited number of guests, but still must be scheduled. Due to our limited space, please plan ahead for large groups. Remind everyone in your party that MASKS are mandatory outside, however we are now allowing you to wear your own surgical or cloth mask while visiting outdoors.

Non-compliance with visiting rules may result in cancellation of future visits until education is completed. We remind visitors that MASKS must be worn AT ALL TIMES, whether indoors or outdoors.

Short stay and Temporary Absence Guidelines – July 9th, 2021

Residents are permitted Medical, Social and Temporary absences. Effective July 16th, Short Term – Social Absences are now permitted for all residents. Temporary Absences (overnight) are now also permitted for all residents. Prior approval for temporary absences from the home is required.
Residents who leave the home for an overnight absence are required to have a laboratory-based PCR COVID–19 test upon return and remain in isolation on Droplet and Contact precautions while their test result is pending. Residents returning to the home who are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated are exempted from testing and isolation.

For all visiting inquiries, e-mail visits@groveparkhome.on.ca.

Please refer to the following resources to help you with facilitating your outdoor visits:

Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool

Visitors Mandatory Training

Video #1 – Putting on Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Video #2 – Taking off Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Video #3 – How to Hand Wash

Family and Essential Caregiver Training

D2L Open Course: Infection Control for Caregivers and Families **FREE** course for caregivers offered through McMaster, including modules on IPAC.

Programs

Communication with your loved one can be by telephone, we are now booking Facetime & Skype virtual visits through our Programs & Volunteer Services department, please contact the Visiting Team to make arrangements.

Please click here to send an e-mail message to your loved one; gphrez@gmail.com.

Screening Details

Please use to the Ministry of Health online self-assessment tool, prior to your visit. We request that all visitors postpone their visit to Grove Park Home should you have any symptoms noted in the self-assessment tool.

As per the Ministry of Health directive, all staff and students will continue to self-monitor for COVID-19 at home. Self-monitoring instructions available here.

All staff, students and volunteers and visitors should be aware of symptoms of an acute respiratory infection and be aware of the latest case definition.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 1-877-721-7520.

Click here to download an important fact sheet on caring for our vulnerable population during this period.