Add 15 minutes BEFORE your visit – Point-of-Care Rapid Testing is Now Mandatory for all Visitors to LTC and AL

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Effective immediately:
A rapid test with a negative result is required to enter Menno Home, Menno Hospital or Terrace East.
This is by order of the Public Health Officer.

Visiting Hours:
The COVID rapid test will be provided by the Visitation Host between 10am and 6pm. Phone the nurse to arrange a visit outside of these hours for essential visitors.

In order to enter, you must show proof of vaccination, government issued ID card and a negative rapid test result.

Please watch these two short videos on how to perform a Rapid Point-of-Care test:
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

From the Ministry of Health:
In recognition of the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant of concern and given the vulnerability of the Omicron variant of concern and given the vulnerability of residents in long-term care and assisted living, even when fully vaccinated themselves, individuals visiting long-term care homes (both essential and social visitors) must be screened for COVID-19 by receiving a rapid point-of-care (POC) test prior to their visit.

Rapid POC tests provide the opportunity to rapidly screen people for COVID-19, with results ready in approximately 20 minutes. These tests can help reduce the potential for introduction and spread of COVID-19 in long-term care. The rapid POC screening requirement for all visitors is in addition to the current requirements for visitors to be fully vaccinated and to adhere to infection prevention and control measures.

Visitors who receive a positive rapid POC test result, choose not to receive a rapid POC test, or who do not demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated will not be able to enter the long-term care or assisted living building, including passing through the facility to access an outdoor space.

There are no exceptions to the rapid POC screening requirement based on medical exemption from vaccination, essential or social visitor status, including compassionate visits related to end-of-life. The rapid POC screening requirement in long-term care excludes children under age 12.

  • Visitors who receive a negative test result, provide proof of full vaccination, and are compliant with masking requirements and other infection control practices will be able to enter a facility.
  • Visitors who are screened as having symptoms or who receive a positive test result will not be able to enter a facility. They are required to self-isolate and seek further direction from public health. Their test result must be reported to Public Health.
  • Individuals who receive an inconclusive test result will be required to undergo another rapid POC test.
  • There are no exceptions to the rapid POC screening requirement based on medical exemption from vaccination, essential or social visitor status, including compassionate visits related to end-of-life. Rapid POC screening in long-term care and assisted living excludes children under age 12.

We thank you for all your hard work in keeping yourself safe, and in caring for your loved one in a time that is stressful and ever-changing.

Sharon Simpson
Director, Community Enrichment