March 28: COVID-19 Precautionary Protocols at Seasons
At the outset of the COVID-19 situation in Canada, Seasons Retirement Communities implemented heightened precautionary protocols in all of our homes. We continue to follow the advice of provincial and federal governments, our sector regulators and local Public Health agencies.
At present, these are the protective measures in place:
- Essential Visitor only protocol which limits visitors to those who have critically ill loved ones.
- Active screening for all staff, essential visitors and vendor partners who enter Seasons including the completion of health screening checklists, taking temperatures and declaring recent travel information. Anyone who is exhibiting symptoms suggestive of flu or COVID-19, or who has been in contact with a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter.
- Residents to remain in place. Residents are not permitted to leave our communities unless it is medically essential. Those who do leave our homes are required to complete the health screening tool upon their return and will be placed in isolation from 72 hours to 14 days.
- Resident health checks. We are conducting daily temperature checks for all residents.
- Enhanced cleaning routines including infection control protocols for increased cleaning of high touch point areas. Hand sanitizer is readily available in key amenity areas and additional information shared with staff and residents on how to personally help prevent the spread of the virus.
- Limiting activities to small groups no more than 5 people with consideration of social distancing; offering one to one or self-directed activities and pausing all group outings.
- Corporate Infection Control Committee (CICC) to plan for every stage of a potential outbreak and to provide regular communication to all stakeholders.
As the COVID-19 situation evolves we may need to add additional protocols. We will continue to advise residents and families of these changes as quickly as possible. Furthermore, we appreciate that these measures have changed the daily life of the residents who live in our homes. We continue to check in with residents and come up with creative ways to safely keep them engaged, connected and having some fun during this time.
Recommendations continue to evolve so please check here for our most up to date information.