The health minister says concerns over leave being granted to some long-term care residents to join relatives at Christmas are “legitimate.”

Some residents and their families fear that allowing certain residents to join loved ones for a holiday meal or other gathering will potentially expose other vulnerable residents to the virus.

John Haggie agrees that’s a real concern. He says long term care homes under the jurisdiction of regional health authorities are one aspect, but privately-owned long term care facilities may have their own policies and may require further direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

It’s something public health officials are looking at says Haggie.