How the Government protects Ontario’s seniors

Ontario seniors are one of the most vulnerable especially at this time of a pandemic and that is why the provincial government is making sure to give them extra care and support to keep them safe and healthy.

Here are some measures that the provincial government is doing to protect its seniors:

• People over 70 years of age or those with an underlying health condition to self-isolate. They are advised to stay home and only leave if it’s for essential reasons.
• $10M investment on a delivery coordination program that would help community organizations on deliveries of meals, medicines, and other necessities to seniors living at home.
• Continuously working with essential businesses, such as groceries and pharmacies, to prioritize seniors’ delivery orders and push forward with senior-only shopping hours.
• An over two years $20M investment for increased infection control and active screening procedures to protect seniors living at retirement homes.
• $243M for long-term care homes, to support 24/7 screening, additional staffing, enhanced cleaning and sanitation, additional supplies.

Long-term care homes and retirement homes are easy targets of COVID-19, putting the well-being of several seniors at risk. Residents and even healthcare workers are affected.

Just today, health officials confirmed there are 10 outbreaks of the virus in long-term care homes in the province. The province now has a total of 1,966 COVID-19 cases, including 534 resolved, and 33 deaths – mostly seniors. This becomes the main reason why the government is offering more support to protect and ensure the safety of all seniors in Ontario.