McCormick Care Group – COVID-19 Update

Wednesday March 3, 2021

This is a McCormick Care Group – COVID-19 Update for Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

There are no probable or suspected cases of COVID-19 among our residents or staff at this time.

On March 2, 2021, the Ministry of Long-Term Care communicated their approval that the administration of the Rapid Antigen Test can be completed by using both nostrils only.  This news is most welcome after much advocacy from the sector.

Surveillance Testing Guidelines for Rapid Antigen Testing

From Sunday, February 28 to Sunday, March 14, 2021, caregivers can participate in our rapid testing on site, up to a maximum of three times per week. Alternatively, they can provide evidence of a PCR test and have one rapid test on site, as per the ministry directive.  To clarify, there is no associated timeframe confirming how long a rapid test result is valid (e.g., 48 hours).

For example, a family member who visits seven days a week could test as follows:

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a completed seven-day cycle; or
• Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; or
• Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.

If a family member is visiting only once in a week, an antigen test can be conducted on the day of the visit. If the family member is visiting on two days, they must be tested on both days.  If a family member only visits on a weekend, they must be tested on both days, consecutively.

For tracking and testing purposes, a “week” will be considered Monday to Sunday, and the screeners will advise when you are due for a rapid test.

We ask for your patience as the screeners assist in ensuring the home meets the ministry’s testing guidelines.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the managers.

Testing is available between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., seven days per week.  If you are visiting in the evening, please arrive at the home no later than 7:30 p.m. to allow for the test to be processed.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we navigate through these changes together.

Tanya Pol,
Administrator