Ontario Makes COVID-19 Immunization Mandatory for Long-Term Care Workers
Copernicus Lodge is happy to share that that the Ontario Government announced today that all long-term care (LTC) staff, support workers, students and volunteers in Ontario will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 15, 2021, or to show proof of a valid medical exemption.
As part of the AdvantAge Ontario Coalition of non-profit long-term care homes who announced a required immunization policy that is set to take effect October 4, 2021, we are pleased that the Government has taken this important step to protect our residents, tenants, families, staff, agency staff, students, physicians, volunteers and contractors from COVID-19.
Read the official release from the Ontario Government.
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Influenza Vaccine Consent Form for Long-Term Care Residents
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New required COVID-19 immunization policy announcement
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For details on how to book an outdoor visit with a resident, please click here.
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Information on visiting a resident
- Although the latest update to Directive #3 removes specific limitations on the number of visitors who visit a resident at one time, we will continue with a maximum of 4 visitors/ECG’s per resident room in order to be able to safely maintain the required 6 ft physical distancing.
- Larger numbers may be accommodated in larger spaces for special occasions
- All screening, surveillance testing, training requirements and public health measures must continue to be followed, including required PPE for indoor and outdoor visits and surveillance testing for asymptomatic and unimmunized/partially immunized general visitors/ECG’s.
- General visitors must continue to book their visits online here
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Polish Veteran Residents Honoured at Veterans Day Ceremony
On September 1, 2021 two Copernicus Lodge residents and Polish Veterans, Alexsander Bogdan and Jan Gasztold were honoured at a Veterans Day ceremony and Mass at St. Casimir Parish in Toronto. At the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled in memory of Polish veterans who settled in Canada after fighting for freedom and independence for their homeland. Our two honourable veterans were joined by Sylwia Czerwińska, Vice Consul, Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Toronto. Click here to see a slideshow of Alexsander and Jan at the event or click on the image below.
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To access this month’s social calendar, click here.
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Our next Family Town Hall will be on Thursday, September 30 at 6:30pm. Click here for meeting details.
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Thank you for all who attended the Family Virtual Meeting on Thursday, August 26, 2021. For the video recording please click here.
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Copernicus Lodge is recruiting for a number of roles. For more details click here.
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Read our 2020 Annual Report by clicking here.
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Reminder: major construction near Copernicus Lodge
Travel to Copernicus Lodge is impacted by the City of Toronto’s King Street West, Queen Street West, The Queensway and Roncesvalles Avenue construction project. Here is what you need to know:
- The intersection of King Street West, Queen Street West, The Queensway and Roncesvalles Avenue (KQQR) will be partially closed until Nov. 23, 2021.
- TTC 504 bus along Roncesvalles Avenue will maintain service to the transit yard at the south end.
- For a full list of nearby road closures, TTC, pedestrian and cyclist impacts visit the City of Toronto: ca/KQQR
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Voluntary Management Agreement with Unity Health Toronto (updated Feb. 26)
Effective Jan. 11, Unity Health Toronto has taken over responsibility to temporarily manage Copernicus Lodge under a Voluntary Management Agreement with Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care. Unity Health's temporary management of Copernicus Lodge is limited to the long-term care home and does not include oversight of the senior apartments. For more information click here.
Our immediate focus will be to continue to help support the home and Toronto Public Health in the management of the COVID-19 outbreak that started Dec. 16, 2020 and was declared over on Feb. 26, 2021. Unity Health is also responsible for delivering the COVID-19 vaccine to all consenting staff and residents at Copernicus.
Over the next few months, a team from Unity Health Toronto will be at Copernicus to assess needs, continue improvements around infection, prevention and control and quality and safety processes. We are pleased to be working with the home’s leadership and staff as it continues to build its services and create an environment that meets the needs of all residents in a dignified and safe community. The safety and the delivery of quality care to Copernicus Lodge’s residents are our shared priorities.
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Schedule a Virtual Visit with a Long-Term Care Resident
Click here to schedule a virtual visit with a long-term care resident.
For questions related to scheduled calls/visits, please call Rasheeda Headley, Programs & Services Manager, at 416-536-7122 ext. #253.
Virtual visits are helping to keep you and your loved one connected. When scheduling your next virtual visit by using our online booking process, please remember to provide us with the planform link you plan to connect through (Zoom/Teams/Facebook etc..) because it helps our teams to better facilitate your visit.
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The Self-Care Apartment Building at Copernicus Lodge
The Self-Care Apartment Building at Copernicus Lodge is COVID-19 free. Every tenant and visitor including LHIN staff providing services to tenants will be screened entering Copernicus Lodge as a directive from Toronto Public Health. Visitors to apartment tenants MUST wear a mask and wash their hands. Families of self-care residents are encouraged to remind self-care residents also to wear their masks in all public areas of the home pursuant to Toronto by-laws.
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To contact a member of our staff:
Please click here or communications@copernicuslodge.com
For the most up to date information on COVID-19, please visit:
City of Toronto Response to COVID-19
