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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Posted: March 16, 2020

Publié le 16 March 2020

Updated February 24, 2021
Check this page often. As the pandemic evolves, we will update it regularly with information relevant to dietitians.

Consult with your employer for organizational protocol regarding COVID-19 and refer to the Ministry resources and links below for the most updated information.

New

The Stay at Home Order in Ontario effective January 14 at 12:01 a.m has been extended across most of the province. There are no changes for dietetic practice. The exceptions in the Order include accessing health services. Guidance on virtual visits remains unchanged, and dietitians should continue to follow the Ministry’s Operational Requirements.

Also see, the College’s COVID-19 Guidance for the Gradual Restart of Non-Essential Virtual and In-Person Care, which is a supplement to the Ministry’s operational requirements.

Appendix 8: Cases with Positive COVID-19 Serology Results and Management of Cases with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Temporally Associated with COVID-19 updated February 18, 2021
Appendix 9: Management of Individuals with Point-of-Care Results updated February 18, 2021
COVID-19 Quick Reference Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance updated February 18, 2021
Rapid Point of Care Testing Use Case Guidance updated February 19, 2021
COVID-19 Guidance: Considerations for Rapid Antigen Screening updated February 17, 2021
Updated Provincial Testing Guidance updated February 17, 2021
Guidance for Prioritizing Health Care Workers for COVID-19 Vaccination updated february 9, 2021
COVID-19 Signage Questions for Businesses and Organizations February 10, 2021
COVID-19 Variant of Concern: Case, Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance February 9, 2021
Appendix 10: Case & Contact Management COVID-19 Surge Support Model (Pilot) January 21, 2021
Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario guidance January 12, 2021
There are no changes to the Ministry Directive 2.
College Pandemic FAQs
College Resource: Managing Stress in Uncertain Times

Emergency Orders Extended to February 19, 2021

The orders made under sections 7.0.2 and 7.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, 2020 have been extended to February 19, 2021. See details here.

Ministry of Long-Term Care

Retirement Home COVID-19 Visiting Policy, Supplement to Directive 3 Effective December 11, 2020
Directive #3 for Long-Term Care Homes. Effective December 9, 2020
- See Page 6:
  - Universal masking information - indicates staff and visitors must comply with universal masking and must wear a surgical/procedural mask for entire duration of their shift/visit regardless of outbreak
  - When staff are not in contact with residents or not in resident areas during break, staff may remove their mask but they must remain 2-metres away from other staff to prevent staff-to-staff transmission.

Ministry of Health

Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario guidance January 12, 2021
Ontario Deploys Rapid Testing to Support COVID-19 Response. November 25, 2020
Considerations for Employer Antigen Screening Pilot November 20, 2020
Considerations for Privately-Initiated Testing November 20, 2020
Appendix 8: Cases with Positive COVID-19 Serology Results and Management of Cases with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Temporally Associated with COVID-19 updated February 18, 2021
Appendix 9: Management of Individuals with Point-of-Care Results updated February 18, 2021
Updated Provincial Testing Guidance updated February 17, 2021
Updated Case Definition November 20, 2020
COVID-19 Quick Reference Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance update February 18, 2021
Guidance Hospice Care November 12, 2020
Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting November 9, 2020

LTC/RH: One Site In-Person Work for Employees / Additional Sites Virtual

If you are an RD employed in LTC/RH, you can work in-person at one site, with any additional sites being virtual. Contractors should consult with their long term care homes.

Please see Emergency Orders relevant to Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes, and the Chief Medical Officer of Health revised Directive #3. See the News Releasefor details. Reach out anytime at 416-598-1725 , Ext. 397or atpracticeadvisor@collegeofdietitians.org

Pandemic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Transitional Support

Are you a dietitian working in community or primary care who is having trouble sourcing PPE?
Review the Ministry resources below for recent policy changes regarding transitional access to the provincial pandemic PPE stockpile which expands support to eligible community-based health service and primary care providers. The resources provide direction on how eligible health care providers can access transitional PPE support, including frequently asked questions.

Questions? Please contact the Practice Advisory Service at practice.advisor@collegeofdietitians.org, 416-598-1725 , ext. 397.

Return to Non-Essential Virtual and In-Person Care with Conditions

The return to non-essential care for both virtual and in-person care is intended to be gradual and with stringent conditions in place to mitigate the spread of disease. You must adjust your practice according to Directive 2 and the Ministry’s COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart, which specify:

Wherever feasible, client visits must be conducted virtually. Dietitians are urged to use professional judgement in determining which clients can be treated virtually and, if not feasible, which could be seen in-person.
You must have in place strict protocols, as required, around feasibility and risk assessments, infection prevention and control, hazard controls, screening, personal protective equipment, and client scheduling to ensure physical distancing and safe care.
Decisions about client visits must be in keeping with the principles set out in Directive #2: Proportionality; Minimizing Harm to Patients; Equity; and Reciprocity.