Issue #19: Infection Control in Long-Term Care and Congregate Care

Currently, infection control in long-term care and congregate care settings is very difficult to manage, leading to a significant spread of infection, illness, and tragic loss of life. This needs to improve immediately.

Recommendation #63: National Standards

Create pan-Canadian long-term care and congregate care infection control quality assurance standards. Prioritize vaccines in long-term care and congregate care settings. Incorporate the Vaccination National Standards into National Long-Term Care Quality Standards.

Recommendation #64: COVID-19 Infection Control Standards

Establish pandemic infection and testing protocols specific to COVID-19 in long-term care and congregate care settings (i.e., don’t use flu testing protocols for COVID-19). Upgrade infection protocols in long-term care and congregate care, including designating these settings as priorities for PPE, testing, screening, and visitor education. Require regular, unannounced on-site inspection for upgraded infection control.

Recommendation #65: Home Care Infection Control

Providers of care at home should also be prioritized for PPE, testing, screening, and education.