Toronto: As of yesterday, 129 out of 626 long-term care homes in Ontario are in active Covid-19 outbreak status, according to a provincial media statement.
The number has come down from a high of 190 on May 18, the statement said adding that so far 164 outbreaks have been resolved.
Testing of all long-term care resident and staff has been completed with a second round of testing underway, said the statement.
To further protect seniors and staff in long-term care homes, the Ontario government announced yesterday that it is extending the mandate of the Incident Management System Long-Term Care Table. This table is composed of health care professionals who make immediate decisions to deal with issues related to staffing levels, infection management and resources during the Covid-19 outbreak.
“As Premier, it’s my job to push the system. Fixing what we inherited starts with strong leadership through this crisis and beyond to protect and care for our long-term care residents,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that we are making progress in fighting this terrible virus in our long-term care homes and we will continue to do everything in our power to fortify the iron ring of protection around our most vulnerable seniors.”
The statement from Ford’s office said under IMS leadership, Ontario has seen the following improvements to long-term care homes affected by Covid-19 outbreaks:
- Since May 1, increased the number of low-risk green homes from 356 to 547 homes, representing 87.4% of all long-term care homes.
- Since May 1, reduced the number of high-risk red homes from 35 to 19, a 54.3% improvement.
- As of May 27, 37 hospitals had deployed teams into 59 yellow homes and 19 red homes.
- Completed testing of long-term care resident and staff, with a second round of testing already underway.
- Number of COVID-19 positive tests in long-term care homes decreased from 12.5% to 7.5%.
- As of May 28, 129 out of 626 long-term care homes are in active outbreak, from a high of 190 on May 18.
- 164 outbreaks have been resolved.
The IMS table also facilitated assistance from the Canadian Armed Forces into five homes and deployed 150 hospital teams to support staff in other long-term care homes, it added.
IMS includes:
- Deputy Minister Richard Steele, Ministry of Long-Term Care
- Deputy Minister Helen Angus, Ministry of Health
- Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO, University Health Network
- Matthew Anderson, President and CEO, Ontario Health
- Michelle DiEmanuele, President and CEO, Trillium Health Partners
- Dr. Jack Kitts, President and CEO, The Ottawa Hospital
- James Schlegel, President and CEO, Schlegel Health Care
- Dr. Tom Stewart, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Health System, and CEO, Niagara Health
- Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Ontario
- Dr. Dirk Huyer, Chief Coroner of Ontario
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