With growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19 across Ontario's Long Term Care system, the government announced new measures for this sector- including banning staff from working at more than one location. We issued the following statement in response:
"WeRPN applauds the government’s action to curb the spread of COVID-19 among Ontario’s most vulnerable populations by limiting long term care (LTC) staff to working in one location. Along with prioritizing protective equipment for this sector, implementing widespread testing and putting in place rigorous infection control measures, we believe this measure will help protect residents, nurses and staff from this deadly virus. Recognizing that large numbers of RPNs in LTC currently hold more than one part-time position, we look forward to further details about the government’s plans to offer financial support to these dedicated nurses and to operationalize these measures to ensure we continue to have needed health care workers on the front lines."
We know this information will be of great interest to the many RPNs working in LTC. We will continue to monitor these updates and share any new information as it becomes available.
We are also continuing to share new resources prepared for nurses by nurses to support your self care during this time. Check out our latest webinar on Self Care: Sleep
Facebook Live Tonight We look forward to engaging with members and answering your questions during our Facebook Live session, this evening at 8pm. Tune in at https://www.facebook.com/wearepracticalnurses
Urgent Jobs During COVID-19 NEW- The Ontario Long Term Care Association has launched a new job matching program for nurses and other staff interested supporting residents in LTC. Paid opportunities are also available for qualified nursing students.
The Provincial Government is helping recruit health care workers through their new portal and match them with opportunities. Health Force Ontario continues to recruit health professionals.
We encourage RPNs looking for employment opportunities to sign up on all the platforms noted above.
With 114 Long Term Care homes now in outbreak, Doug Ford announced today that the government would be taking additional measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Long Term Care:
In his press conference
today, the Premier noted that his government is in talks with the Federal government to ensure nurses and other staff receive compensation for lost hours.
Wednesday, the government will release an enhanced action plan which will address how to redeploy additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and health-care staff to help contain the outbreaks.
The province is also expected to release details on plan to enhance testing at LTC homes.
The Command Table met on
Monday and has provided a meeting summary of their discussions.
Key Federal Updates Today the Prime Minister announced $130M to provide additional health and social support for northern communities.
Ottawa and the provinces are in discussions about reopening the Canadian economy in phases, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that Canadians should assume the current restrictions will be in place for weeks.
For more information, we encourage you to visit theGovernment of Canada website.
Daily Reports As of 10:30AM today, Ontario reported 7,953 confirmed cases, 3,568 resolved cases, 334 deaths and 1,208 currently under investigation with lab results pending.
The Ministry is now also reporting that 769 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19, 255 are in ICU and 199 are vented. To view these additional details: click here Click Hereto read the latest Ministry of Health Daily Report **Please note, these reports are intended for health
professionals only and we request that you not share this with the public.
World Health Organization Situation Reports are also available here
In the News For an interactive map tracking all cases across Canada and internationally, click here
Below are some key stories from today that may be of interest to our members:
We will continue to monitor this situation and keep you updated as more information becomes available. Thank you for the important work that you're doing and the sacrifices you're making to keep Ontarians safe. We appreciate everything that you're doing each and every day.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tiff Blair at tblair@werpn.com
Sincerely,
WeRPN Team
WeRPN 5025 Orbitor Drive Building 5, Suite 200 Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Y5
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