Rapid Antigen Testing in LTC Homes
The Ministry of Long-Term Care (MLTC) informed all long-term care home licensees on Jan. 27, 2021 that they are mandated to transition to point-of-care rapid antigen tests for staff, student placements and volunteers, as well as caregivers, support workers and general visitors (where permitted entry). The MLTC is moving forward to support this implementation in partnership with the sector, the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health.
The timeline for adopting the new requirements are as follows:
- Start transition by February 16th by placing an order for PanbioTM, test kits with Ontario Health, and
- Ensure the program is running by February 22nd by:
- Offering “day of” Antigen Tests for caregivers, support workers and general visitors (once permitted) by the above date,
- Initiating 1 weekly onsite Antigen Test for staff, students and volunteers by the end of February, and
- Increasing to 3 times a week for staff, students and volunteers as part of a transition to full operations by March 15th.
- Specimen collection and screening for asymptomatic individuals in low prevalence areas (Green) should be performed 1-2 times per week.
- The lower end of the frequency range would meet the compliance requirements of the Directive. However, homes are encouraged to test at a higher frequency to help reduce asymptomatic transmission ofCOVID-19.
LTC homes should continue with a once-a-week PCR test for staff, student placements and volunteers until such time as there is confidence the Rapid Antigen Testing program is running smoothly in the home.
Once Rapid Antigen Testing programs are fully operational in LTC homes, PCR testing will continue to be used only in instances where individuals are symptomatic or have a positive antigen test result, individuals have been in contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, a home is in outbreak, or as otherwise directive by local public health.
.png?1580149442840)
.png?1578593886679)