COVID-19 Updates (March 24, 2022)

Posted On: March 24, 2022

On March 9, 2022, the Ontario Government announced the lifting of remaining COVID-19-related public health measures, directives, and orders, and changes to masking mandates. In light of this development, we would like to provide an update on expectations and what is changing in the coming weeks:

Guidance

As of March 21, 2022, our COVID-19 Reopening Guideline is no longer in effect.

Masking

As of March 21, masks will no longer be required, except for public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings. Health care settings includes doctors’ offices and as such, NDs and patients must continue to wear surgical/procedural masks until at least April 27, 2022.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) including hand hygiene

NDs should continue to follow the requirements in the Standard of Practice: Infection Control and Public Health Ontario’s IPAC guidance.

Patient Screening

Screening should continue to take place prior to treatment. NDs should continue to screen patients using the Ministry of Health’s Patient Screening Guidance document

Self-Screening

NDs must monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms and not practise if they are feeling ill. If a ND develops symptoms while at work, they must complete the Ministry of Health’s online self-assessment tool and follow the instructions.

Contact Tracing

NDs should refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Integrated Testing and Case, Contact and Outbreak Management – Interim Guidance for the Omicron Surge

In addition to the requirements above, NDs should continue to use professional judgement in considering patient comfort and preference as public health measures are lifted (e.g., making hand sanitizer available and spacing out seating). We also continue to strongly encourage that all NDs be vaccinated against COVID-19.

We will monitor developments and provide updates when needed. NDs are encouraged to continue reviewing the Ministry of Health’s Guidance for the health sector, the Ministry’s Orders, Directives and Memorandums, and the latest public health measures.

Thank you for all your efforts to keep Ontarians healthy.

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