BREAKING: Ford government announces 'cautious restart' of visits to long-term care homes

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his ministers addressed media on Thursday from Queen's Park, Toronto, to provide updates on the provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Ford announced that, as of June 18, Ontario will begin what he called a "cautious restart" to visits to both long term care and retirement homes that "do not have a COVID-19 outbreak."

Ford said that visitors will be limited to one per resident, with visits taking place outdoors and with physical distancing guidelines in place. Visitors must have also tested negative for COVID-19 within the last two weeks.

"We need families to be able to see their loved ones," said Ford, saying that progress could not be taken for granted.

"We can't forget that these settings are vulnerable... So we must remain vigilant," said Ford.

Ford said that situations will be monitored closely, as his government works on "expanded visiting opportunities" as soon as it is safe to do so.

Long Term Care Minister Merrilee Fullerton said that the possibility of spreading the virus "is still a real threat," saying that resumed visits will require masks, will take place in designated areas, and that long term care homes must have "systems in place to schedule visits."

"Our government will continue to work with the staff in longterm care homes, hospital staffs, and armed forces to keep our elders safe," said Fullerton.