Originally posted December 22, 2021
The Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario (CMOH) has updated a
number of COVID-19 Directives related to the Omicron variant of concern
and released a Directive #5 Q & A document. Please see below for
links to these materials.
Directive #1 For Health Care Providers and Health Care Entities
- Revised to provide direction to healthcare workers who are not yet fit-tested for an N95 while they await fit-testing.
Updated January 4, 2022
Directive # 3 For Long-Term Care Homes within the meaning of the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007
- Latest version includes Test to Work information
- Revised to outline the minimum requirements concerning COVID-19
infection and prevention control measures that must be in place for all
Long-Term Care Homes (LTCH) and Retirement Homes (RH).
Directive # 5 For Public Hospitals within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act and Long-Term Care Homes within the meaning of the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007
- Revised to indicate all regulated health professionals and
health care workers working in hospitals, LTCH, and RH, providing direct
care or interacting with suspected, confirmed or probable cases of
COVID-19 are fit-tested with a seal-checked N95, eye protection
(goggles, face shield, safety glasses with side shield), isolation gown
and gloves.
- Please see the Directive #5 Q&A for healthcare providers for additional information.
Although other practice settings are not explicitly mentioned, all
occupational therapists must remain attentive and follow the Ministry of
Health guidelines for infection, prevention and control measures, use
the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and complete a
point-of-care risk assessment (PCRA) for all in-person client
interactions.
As COVID-19 information is rapidly changing, occupational therapists are encouraged to frequently visit the Ministry of Health website for
the most accurate, up-to-date information. Occupational therapists are
also reminded that in addition to the CMOH Directives, they must follow
the guidance provided by their employers.
For more information about the Directives, healthcare workers may contact the Ministry of Health by email at [email protected] with questions or concerns.