COVID cases soaring in Canada’s LTC homes as country enters 7th wave. What can be done?

COVID-19 makes its way in Canada, long-term care facilities in some provinces are seeing a major spike in infections.In Ontario, COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care homes more than doubled in the first week of July, according to the province’s public health unit.

Ottawa rolling out new COVID-19 travel testing strategy amid airport delays A total of 42 outbreaks were reported in the long-term care sector during the week of July 3 to 9, according to the province’s latest data.That’s a 110 per cent increase from the previous week’s 20 reported outbreaks.Ontario, like other provinces, is no longer reporting daily COVID cases.

However, according to Dr. Kieran Moore, the province’s chief medical officer of health, the seventh wave of the novel coronavirus could peak in Ontario within the next two weeks.Following direction from the province’s Minister of Long-Term Care, Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham-Stouffville, Ontario previously had a COVID-19 immunization policy in place for people working in, volunteering at, or visiting long-term care homes.But, the policy was revoked in March, meaning this requirement no longer applies.Today’s COVID-19 Dashboard update shows a sharp increase in outbreaks in Long-Term Care & Retirement Homes, hospitals & other congregate settings.It's a stark reminder of the importance of being mindful of the risk you may pose to others, especially those at higher-risk. (1/3)— Ottawa Public Health (@OttawaHealth) July 15, 2022In Quebec, more than 25 per cent of patients in 38 out of 106 long-term care facilities are currently infected with the virus, according to the provinces latest data.