COVID-19 protective measures remain in place at all Providence Care sites

With the provincial government planning to end all pandemic requirements in public settings by the end of April, COVID-19 protective measures will remain in place at all Providence Care sites until further notice. While keeping our current safety measures in place is largely consistent with other healthcare settings in the province, we recognize this decision is difficult for our patients, clients, residents, and their loved ones.

“As a leading provider of specialized care in aging, mental health and rehabilitation, we have a duty to protect the health and well-being of everyone who enters our facilities, and relies on us for high quality care,” said Krista Wells Pearce, Providence Care’s COVID-19 Incident Commander. “We will continue to review our safety measures on an ongoing basis, and do what’s best for our organization, staff and the people we serve.”

While overall hospitalizations and admissions to intensive care units have dropped significantly in recent weeks, the pandemic is not over. As is the case with many healthcare facilities, Providence Care continues to experience high numbers of staff who are unable to work because they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have positive household contacts.

“COVID-19 is still with us, and the emergence of the Omicron variant reminds us the virus can spread quickly,” said Dr. Gerald Evans, Providence Care’s Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control. “We must practice appropriate caution when dealing with COVID-19. Lifting protective measures for our vulnerable populations will continue to be evidence based and informed by all indicators and trends available to us. Our first priority will always be the safety of our staff, the people we serve, families, visitors, and volunteers.”

The following protective measures remain in place at Providence Care sites:

Mandatory proof of vaccination: All staff, physicians and volunteers must be fully vaccinated. All registered visitors (some exceptions apply) must continue to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination at screening desks to enter Providence Care sites.

Reduced visiting: Visitor restrictions remain in place across Providence Care sites. With guidance from our infection prevention and control team, and in some cases as directed by the ministry, we will determine when and how to safely bring more people into our sites. With long-term care, hospital and transitional care, and community services falling in different sectors, certain protective measures like reduced visiting may differ at each site. 

Main entrance screening: All visitors are screened at main entrances of Providence Care sites. Only those who pass screening are allowed to enter.

Masking and physical distancing: Anyone entering Providence Care sites must continue to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks and any additional PPE as directed by staff, at all times. Individuals must also continue to practice physical distancing and proper hand hygiene.

Any changes to Providence Care’s protective measures will be informed by local and provincial data, and in consultation with our infection prevention and control team. We will continue to review the measures we have in place over the next several weeks and months to determine when we may be able to safely lift them.

As a reminder, the Parkside 2 unit at Providence Care Hospital  remains in a COVID-19 outbreak.

Visit providencecare.ca for up-to-date information on current safety measures in place.

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About Providence Care:
Providence Care is Southeastern Ontario’s leading provider of specialized care in aging, mental health and rehabilitation. The organization consists of Providence Care Hospital, Providence Transitional Care Centre, Providence Manor long-term care home, and more than 20 community based support and mental health services across the region. To find out more about Providence Care, visit ProvidenceCare.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, contact:
Elaina Raponi
Communications Officer
Phone: 613-544-4900, ext. 53489
Email: raponie@providencecare.ca or info@providencecare.ca