(October 1, 2021)<\/p>\n
By: Brett Glover, Barrie360<\/p>\n
COVID-19 vaccines will soon be mandatory in all long-term care homes across Ontario.<\/p>\n
Long-Term Care Minister Rod Phillips announced on Friday that vaccines will be mandatory for all in-home staff, support workers, students, and volunteers within long-term care homes by November 15, unless there is a valid medical reason why not.<\/p>\n
Those workers who refuse to get the vaccine will not be permitted to enter a long-term care home to work.<\/p>\n
Homes across Ontario will begin random testing of fully vaccinated individuals, including staff and visitors.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that long-term care residents have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. As new variants continue to spread, we are seeing a growing number of outbreaks in long-term care homes where the risk to those most vulnerable remains high,\u201d said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. \u201cThis enhanced suite of measures, including mandatory vaccinations for those working in the homes of long-term care residents, is one more way we will provide them the greatest level of protection possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, protests against the Long-Term Care sector are expected in locations throughout Ontario on Monday. Ralliers will be gathering at government offices to protest the lack of action in long-term care homes. Representatives of the Ontario Health Coalition say there is insufficient care, safety issues, and a lack of accountability in these homes.<\/p>\n
Calls for fast-tracking staffing, enforcing care standards, and ending for-profit long-term care should be expected at these rallies.<\/p>\n
Protests will be held in Cornwall, Chatham, Durham, Hamilton, Kawartha Lakes, Kingston, London, Niagara, North Bay, Oakville, Ottawa, Sudbury, Toronto, Thunder Bay, Waterloo, Windsor, and Woodstock. There are as yet no demonstrations expected in Barrie or around Simcoe County.<\/p>\n