May 10: 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.

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 shelter in place. As of March 31, in an abundance of caution, residents were asked to remain in their suites. All meals, snacks, and medications are being delivered directly to our residents. As of May 18, we began a cautious, phased approach to offering two meals per day in the dining rooms.
Residents to remain on the premises. 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 if ill, or exposed to illness, will be required to self-isolate for 72 hours to 14 days.
Resident health checks. We are conducting temperature checks for all residents, multiple times each day.
Use of masks and PPE for staff. In an outbreak situation, masks and PPE are required as per our infection control policy and directives from Public Health. Additionally, in all homes regardless of outbreak status, staff will be continuously masking.
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. Starting June 15, we will begin to host small group activities of 5 residents or less. Guidelines around physical distancing and good hand hygiene will be communicated and enforced.
Corporate Infection Control Committee (CICC) to plan for every stage of a potential outbreak and to provide regular communication to all stakeholders.

This list is not exhaustive, particularly as it relates to homes in outbreak status. 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 everyone engaged, connected, and having fun until we can return to regular operations.