Following today’s announcement, the Ministry of Health has rescinded Public Health Orders regarding masking, screening, and vaccination for long-term care and assisted living visitors and masking for staff in long-term care and assisted living. Effective immediately, visitors are no longer required to:

• Complete rapid testing
• Provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19
• Wear a mask when visiting (unless determined by a point-of-care assessment)

To date, no changes have been made to the vaccination requirements for long-term care or assisted living staff. While masking for staff will remain where indicated by the point of care risk assessment, the Province has lifted the universal masking requirement. These changes aim to balance the ongoing need to protect the health and safety of those in care homes while recognizing the need for visitors and families to have the opportunity to connect with their loved ones. SafeCare BC has various resources available to help with this transition for staff and visitors, including proper handwashing techniques, point of care risk assessment, and other related topics. The Ministry of Health has published a Q&A to support operators with these changes. Download the Q&A. The Infection Prevention and Control: Guidance for Long-Term Care and Seniors’ Assisted Living Settings, which guides long-term care and assisted living staff in infection prevention and control practices, is being updated to reflect changes due to the end of the respiratory season. We will share updated documents and guidelines as they are made available. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us for support at info@safecarebc.ca.