Dear Actionmarguerite Residents and Families,

COVID-19 remains a risk to the health and wellness of the people we support at Actionmarguerite, particularly as highly infectious variants circulate in the community. We know these have been exceptionally difficult months and we are grateful for your cooperation and respect for the guidelines that have been put in place to protect residents, staff, and our community.

December is a month most often spent celebrating with family and friends. This year, as we again navigate a holiday season amid COVID restrictions, there are some changes to the activities we are able to permit, and the measures that we must take in order to support them safely.

We ask that you and your family give some thought to ways to celebrate special events, including birthdays, milestones and the holiday season in a manner that respects the following guidelines:

Activities and meals

• If you wish to enjoy a meal together during a visit with your loved one, physical distancing of 6 ft. (2m) must be maintained while masks are off, and hand hygiene must be performed frequently.
• For residents who require assistance when eating, masks must continue to be worn while physical distancing is unable to be maintained.

Food and Gifts

• Food donations or gifts for staff or residents may be accepted. All food items must be individually wrapped.
• Cards or letters are very much welcome.
• When giving clothing, blankets, shoes or stuffed toys to residents for Christmas, please ensure they go to laundry for labelling. Anything made of fabric has the potential to end up in laundry.  To ensure they are returned to your loved ones, place them in the box near the front entrance.

Social Leaves

Social leaves continue to be discouraged however we know that families may wish to enjoy time together outside the facility and ask that the following guidance be followed to minimize risk:

• For fully vaccinated residents, a leave may be permitted at the discretion of the facility, with travel directly to and from the intended location. All individuals involved in the transportation of the resident must be fully vaccinated. All individuals aged 12 and up who are physically present at the gathering must be fully vaccinated. For individuals aged 5-11, vaccination is strongly recommended. All individuals at the gathering must not have any cold/flu symptoms or other symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19. Masks must be worn and physical distancing maintained.
• For unvaccinated residents, social leaves are strongly discouraged. Alternate visitation, including use of virtual connections and visitation shelters should be considered first. A leave may be permitted at the discretion of the facility after reviewing the risks involved with the family member.
• Please note that in circumstances where guidelines or public health requirements are believed not to have been followed, an assessment of measures required in order to support safe return to the facility will be completed. Measures may include a required isolation period at the discretion of the facility.

Proof of vaccination

We also ask that you present your vaccination card and personal identification card upon entry to our screeners. We are obligated to verify this information at each visit as per the Public Health Order.

Facilitating Visits

• It will be our pleasure to support virtual celebrations, for instance resident viewing of drive by parades, displays of community artwork and similar demonstrations of love and seasonal cheer.
• In addition, Actionmarguerite has made available family visiting stations. Please remember to follow the above stated guidelines and limit your time there so other families can enjoy the stations.

It is important to note that guidance is regularly being updated as new, highly infectious variants are identified. We are closely monitoring the emergence of the Omicron variant, as well as any restrictions placed on recently returned travelers which may impact your ability to visit Actionmarguerite or participate in a resident’s social leave. Information can change quickly, and we appreciate your cooperation as we share updated guidance or make necessary changes to protect the health and safety of residents over the coming weeks.

We express our gratitude to all who have and continue to abide by the measures that are keeping us all safe.

Sincerely,

The Actionmarguerite team