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WATCH: Friends, family can be designated LTC essential caregivers, Ford announced

As of Monday, visitors will be restricted to staff, essential visitors, and essential caregivers only in regions identified as high risk

Update:
Premier Ford announced $540M for long-term care homes as part of the province's COVID-19 Fall Preparedness Plan.

These funds will be used to assist with containment measures and infection control, including additional frontline staff, support staff, facility improvements, and additional PPE.

The Premier also announced that as of Monday, visitors will be restricted to staff, essential visitors, and essential caregivers only in regions identified as high risk.

However, a limited number of friends and family of long-term care residents can now be permitted into homes as designated essential caregivers. 

"We saw the impacts of wave one in our long-term care homes," said Minister of Health, Dr. Merrilee Fullerton. "We learned from it, and we will continue, under the leadership of Premier Ford, to do whatever it takes to keep our loved ones in long-term care safe."

"Residents and substitute decision makers are encouraged to identify and ensure the designation is in writing for up to two individuals to be essential caregivers."

Original information:
Premier Doug Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, and Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health for today's announcement from Queen's Park at 1 p.m.