• Fully vaccinated essential caregivers may visit resident in their room. A surgical mask must be worn during the duration of the visit.
• Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated essential caregivers will be required to wear a surgical mask, a gown, gloves, and shield. These items will not be provided by Villa Italia at this time. 
• Fully vaccinated general visitors may visit in designated visiting area. A surgical mask must be worn during the duration of the visit. Rapid antigen testing to be completed prior to visiting. 
• Partially vaccinated and non vaccinated general visitors will not be permitted to visit until further notice.
• Rapid antigen testing is to be completed prior to visiting. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to visit, regardless of vaccination status.

• Limiting the number of visitors and group sizes for social activities and eventss

• Essential caregivers will not be able to participate in social activities or events until further notice.

• Implementing additional testing and isolation requirements for residents when they return from an overnight absence.

• Residents will be required to be tested when returning from an overnight stay. Further clarification on isolation requirements pending

• Instructing retirement homes to increase IPAC audits.

• Audits on infection control practices will continue, including audits on proper handwashing, proper use of personal protective equipment, and cleaning procedures.

Additional Visiting Restrictions if you have travelled

Further to a memo sent by the Deputy Minister on November 29, 2021, about the Omicron variant of concern, the Government of Canada announced on November 30, 2021, that Egypt, Nigeria and Malawi have been added to the list of countries – South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia - with additional travel restrictions.

Anyone who has travelled to any of the 10 identified African countries listed above within the last 14 days, regardless of vaccination status, is strictly prohibited to enter a retirement home as they are required to be in quarantine. This requirement also applies to anyone residing in the same household of a person who is in quarantine because of recent travel to these countries. This includes individuals intending to visit palliative residents as well as staff, essential caregivers, support workers, visitors, students, volunteers, and contractors.

In addition, individuals who have travelled to any country outside of Canada within the last 14 days, including the US, and who are not under federal quarantine will be required to undergo rapid antigen testing when entering a retirement home, regardless of vaccination status. Rapid antigen testing results are valid for 48 hours. 

AGAIN ALL PERSONS ENTERING VILLA ITALIA WILL BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN ANTIGEN TESTING.

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Christmas Season

As the Christmas season is upon us, we expect that families and loved ones will gather for Christmas festivities.

We kindly ask family members to keep the following in mind:

1. Please book your visits with the front desk reception.
2. If you are taking your loved one home on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day  - we kindly ask that you inform us in advance so that our kitchen can plan accordingly.
3. Please indicate the return time and ensure you request your loved ones medication to be ready if needed.
4. If you are planning on taking your loved one overnight, please let us know in advance.  Residents and loved ones should both be vaccinated. As indicated above, information on testing and isolation requirements pending.

We strongly urge all family members to ONLY gather with those that are completely vaccinated. Please use an abundance of caution when gathering with your loved ones during the Christmas season. If you or someone in your household is experiencing any one symptom, please refrain from visiting or taking your loved ones out.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Mostacci or Laura DiStefano.

Thank you.