With a growing number of staff at long-term care homes in Elgin county refusing to undergo COVID-19 testing twice per month, Elgin county council this morning (Thursday) approved a revised testing policy. In a report to council, CAO Julie Gonyou noted the Elgin long-term care homes have reached critical staffing levels and if additional staff refuse testing, the county may need Ministry intervention to support safe resident care.
Those covered in the testing include front-line workers, management, food-service workers and contracted service providers. Gonyou stresses the situation in long-term care homes has not reached crisis levels, but she sees one on the horizon.
Under the new policy, staff who refuse testing could ultimately be placed on an unpaid leave of absence or face termination. Gonyou stresses today’s approval by council is a proactive measure and the well-being of all 247 long-term care home residents is a top priority.
