VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE Dec 15 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Hello, Everyone,

The KFLA (Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington) area is in a very serious and highly concerning situation with the explosive spread of Omicron in our region. On Dec 7 2021, the first case of omicron was identified in KFLA and SEVEN days later the KFLA area has over 350 omicron cases! This variant is spreading very quickly which requires us to make some quick changes as well.
 
I will share with you that the Ministry announced changes yesterday and enhanced restrictions however, in KFLA area, Public Health has also introduced changes for the area's LTC Homes. Some of public health guidance does exceed the Ministry guidance. This is necessary in our area given the significant rise in cases here. KFLA is currently experiencing the highest COVID cases across the province of Ontario!
 
As a Home, we are also struggling and stretched thin with staff so there are additional enhancements that we have made as it simply easier for us to coordinate, manage and track.

Strict masking (covering your mouth and nose) is mandatory. At no time, should a designated essential caregiver have their mask down.  
Changes
for Already Designated Essential Caregivers
Non-vaccinated Designated Essential Caregivers:
  • You have until December 20 2021 to submit proof of having your first vaccine dose. If this does not occur, you will no longer be permitted into the Home effective Dec 21. 
  • Once you have shown proof of your first dose, you are only permitted to go directly to the resident's room and must confine your visit to the resident's room only. Once your visit is finished, you must leave the building.
  • You will then have until February 21 2022 to submit proof of being fully vaccinated. (2nd dose plus 14 days) in order to continue to be permitted into the Home.
  • Once you are fully vaccinated, you are no longer confined to the resident's room for your visit.
  • As has already been in place, rapid antigen testing is required every day you enter inclusive of the 15 min wait time for the results.
 
Fully Vaccinated Designated Essential Caregivers:
  • There is a maximum of 2 essential caregivers per resident at one time for indoor visits.
  • There is a maximum of 4 essential caregivers per resident at one time for outdoor visits.
  • Regardless of whether the visit is indoors or outdoors, a rapid antigen test is required.
  • As has already been in place, rapid antigen testing is required every day you enter inclusive of the 15 min wait time for the results.
 
Changes for those Not Yet a Designated Essential Caregiver:
  • All new requests to be a designated essential caregiver must already be fully vaccinated and provide proof before they will be approved.
  • All residents effective today may only have a maximum of two designated essential caregivers. (For residents who already have more than 2 designated essential caregivers prior to today, they can remain)
Resident Changes 
  • Fully vaccinated residents are permitted to leave the home for day absences (Not Overnight)
  • Residents are strongly encouraged to wear a mask along with everyone they are around when they are out of the Home. 
  • The Ministry has suspended social overnight absences at this time. Residents can continue to leave the Home for essential, medical or compassionate reasons.
  • Unvaccinated residents are not permitted to leave the Home for social or overnight absences.
  • Vaccinated residents who go on social outings will be swabbed upon their return and then 2 days later, again 2 days later and then finally a PCR test on Day 8. This is so that we can quickly respond to limiting contact with other residents should a positive result occur.
Additional Changes
  • No food or drink is to be consumed by designated essential caregivers while on the property inside or outside. 
  • Anyone who has purchased a meal ticket for over the Holidays will be reimbursed. Please see Colleen at reception.
  • We are returning to having essential caregivers who need to use the elevator, do so using the single elevator to the right of the screening desk.
  • If the area within the rapid antigen testing area is too full, please feel free to sit in MacDonald Hall while you wait (as long as there is no program occurring at the time).
General Visitors
No General Visitors are permitted in the Home. 
Booster Doses
For those individuals who are able to obtain their booster dose (must be 6 months since their second dose), you are strongly encouraged to do so. This can be done at your physicians office, area local pharmacies, etc.
Designated Essential Caregivers
Rapid Antigen test every day that you enter the building AND must wait the 15 min in the testing area prior to going to see your person. We have had many requests for an earlier start as well as a later end for this testing schedule. We simply don’t have the staff available to lengthen this schedule at either end.
 
Available times for this testing are as follows:
Seven Days a Week
10am – 12pm
1:15 – 4:15pm
5:45-6:00pm
In Addition Tuesday and Thursday
7:00pm – 7:45pm
Staff Recognition
This is the time of year when many of you want to express you appreciation to the staff. We are so thankful for your generosity and kindness.

Our success depends on all departments working together. We are not able to run this Home with only one department or one Home area, it is most certainly a team effort.
If you are considering bringing something in for the staff, I am asking that the items be individually wrapped. Alternatively, if you would like to make a monetary donation with reception, and indicate that you would like this to go to the staff, we can arrange for a food treat day in your name (such as pizza, cookies etc) for all to enjoy. 
 
Chat with you in our next newsletter which we will send out early and be in your inbox on Monday December 20. 

We do appreciate your cooperation and patience. Things are moving very quickly and we are doing our best to keep everyone informed in a timely manner.  
Angela Malcolm
Director