PrintImprimer
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
Posted: August 29, 2022
Publié le 29 August 2022
Check this page often. As the pandemic evolves, we will update it regularly with information relevant to dietitians.
Updates
New! September 18, 2023: Update on the Distribution of Rapid Antigen Tests in Ontario under the Provincial Antigen Screening Program
The Ministry of Health has undertaken planning to support the health system’s readiness to respond to seasonal surges of respiratory viruses, which includes providing access to rapid antigen tests (RATs) for COVID-19, through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program (PASP). To support ongoing access to COVID-19 testing and therapeutics through the Fall/ Winter respiratory season, the Ministry is inviting health care providers to order and provide RATs to their patients.
Read the Ministry's
press release for more information.
March 31, 2023: Ontario Updating COVID-19 Measures in Long-Term Care Homes
With the end of respiratory illness season, the province is updating its COVID-19 measures in long-term care homes in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Long-term care homes will continue to be required to monitor residents daily to detect the presence of infection and indoor masking requirements will remain in place at this time, however, other guidance and requirements are being adjusted to reflect the high vaccine uptake among residents and the availability of safe and effective antivirals that are reducing the risk of severe outcomes to residents.
The first phase involves re-aligning measures for people living in, working in, or visiting long-term care homes, effective March 31, 2023, including:
- Testing of staff, caregivers and visitors who don’t show symptoms (asymptomatic) is no longer required.
- Masking outdoors is no longer recommended for residents, caregivers, and visitors, although wearing a mask outdoors continues to be recommended for staff when they are close to a resident.
- Daily temperature checks, or screening of residents returning from an absence is no longer required.
- Removing the limit of one caregiver at a time during a COVID-19 outbreak or when a resident is symptomatic or isolating.
- Social and physical activities can be held without adjusting for physical distancing.
Full details can be found
here.
August 29, 2022
The Ministry of Health has released an addendum to the COVID-19 Guidance: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Health Care Workers and Entities (
click here to read).
The new
Addendum: Guidelines for Pandemic Stockpile Use includes an Ethical Allocation Framework identifying criteria to help determine priority for available PPE supply in the event of scarcity during a COVID-19 response. It also includes information and guidelines for health care providers and entities on stockpiling, inventory management practices, and accessing needed PPE from the emergency stockpile.
English and
French versions are available on the
ministry’s website.
June 11, 2022
Click on Most Masking Requirements Lifted on June 11 to read the latest on masking guidance and resources for Registered Dietitians.
April 14, 2022
Ukrainians Fleeing War: Early Assessment Considerations for Primary Care Providers
On April 7, 2022, the Ministry of Health issued guidance for primary care providers working with clients fleeing the war in Ukraine. Ukrainians Fleeing War: Early Assessment Considerations for Primary Care Providers provides helpful information and considerations for healthcare providers whose services may be required during the early assessment phase. For additional information, please visit the Ministry website.
May 10, 2022 Update: The Ministry of Health is supporting newly arriving refugees and people arriving through other exceptional humanitarian authorizations (e.g., Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel) by providing a toll-free, multi-lingual, Refugee HealthLine (1-866-286-4770). The Refugee HealthLine will refer agencies/individuals to the closest providers capable of taking on eligible patients for transitional care. All health care providers interested in participating should contact the Refugee HealthLine at 1-866-286-4770.
College Pandemic Resources for Dietitians
Helpful Pandemic Resource Links for Dietitians
GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO
COVID-19 Public Health Measures and Advice
ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND LONG-TERM CARE
COVID-19 Guidance for the Health Sector
- Case Definition
- Guidance Documents
- Health Sector Resources
- Long-Term Care Home/Retirement Home Resources
- Symptoms, Screening and Test Resources
- Case and Contact Management Resources
- Mental Health Resources
- Guidance for Other Sectors
- Signage for Business and Health Care Settings
COVID-19 Vaccine Relevant Information and Planning Resources
- Prioritization Resources
- Long-Term Care Home/Retirement Homes Resources
- Health Care Provider Education Documents
- General Immunization Documents
Orders, Directives, Memorandums and Other Resources
- Minister's Orders
- Chief Medical Officer of Health Orders
- Directives
- Memorandums
- Other Reports, Advisories, and Memorandums
WEBINARS & E-LEARNING
COVID Care Learning