The federal government is following-up on requests from Ontario and Quebec for continued help from the Canadian Armed Forces to help with facilities struggling with COVID-19.
This, in the wake of a shocking and “deeply disturbing” report by the Canadian Armed Forces on what they witnessed working at five of the hardest-hit long-term care facilities in Ontario.
The report outlined serious concerns, including issues around staffing, infection prevention and control, resident safety, food preparation and janitorial services.
It details incidents of abuse and neglect, as well as reports of filth and vermin.
Prime Minsiter Justin Trudeau called the report “extremely troubling.”
He described the range of emotion he felt while reading the report, including anger, frustration and grief. He says Canada has to do better when it comes to caring for our elders.
Troubling Reports All the More Reason to Get Things Right Here, says Health Minister
The lessons learned by what’s happening in long-term care homes in other parts of Canada are front of mind for local public health officials as they consider how to reopen facilities for visitation.
Newfoundland and Labrador has so far avoided some of the devastating effects of COVID-19 seen in other jurisdictions.
Health Minister John Haggie says that’s why it’s so important to get it right.
He says they’re “haunted” by what’s been happening in Montreal. That alone might lead some to say, keep the long-term care homes closed to visitors, says Haggie.
He indicates they’re trying to come up with a plan that passes “the reasonable person test” knowing how important seeing family is to those who have been otherwise isolated.