COVID-19 Information

To date, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases identified at Baycrest are posted here.

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Measures in Place

Expanded Visiting for Residents and Patients

COVID-19



Page updated: September 18, 2020

Measures in Place

Our Baycrest clients are a particularly vulnerable population. Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions, like heart, lung, or kidney disease, are at higher risk. We are taking all necessary measures to keep them, and everyone at Baycrest, safe.

Active Screening

In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Corona Virus) to our residents and employees, Baycrest conducts Active Screening for COVID-19.

We will be screening everyone both on entry to, and on exit from the Baycrest campus. On entry, we will check temperatures and continue to ask the same screening questions as we are currently. On exit, we will check temperatures and everyone will now be asked whether they have developed any symptoms, including cough, fever or shortness of breath during their shift or visit.

on entry to, and on exit from the Baycrest campus. On entry, we will check temperatures and continue to ask the same screening questions as we are currently. On exit, we will check temperatures and everyone will now be asked whether they have developed any symptoms, including cough, fever or shortness of breath during their shift or visit. The Active Screening process is based on our established infection control plans to prevent respiratory illness outbreaks like COVID-19.

Active Screening takes place at the Bathurst Street entrance (Door # 3), Apotex Entrance (Door # 7) and the south entrance of The Terraces. All other entrances are closed. Visitors should expect some delay when getting into the building. Please plan travel accordingly.

All individuals entering Baycrest and Terraces are screened. Everyone is asked: To provide their name and contact phone number Who they are visiting If they are feeling ill or experiencing any influenza-like symptoms – fever and onset of cough or difficulty breathing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat or other. If they travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days If they have had close contact with anyone who has travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days If they have had close contact with someone who has a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19

In case of failed screening, visitors will be asked to reschedule their visit after 14 days and if they have symptoms to contact their health provider.



If you have ANY of the following new or worsening symptoms or signs, it is imperative that you stay home: Fever Cough Shortness of breath Sore throat Runny nose, sneezing or nasal congestion (in the absence of underlying reasons for symptoms such as seasonal allergies and post nasal drip) Hoarse voice Difficulty swallowing New smell or taste disorder(s) Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain Unexplained fatigue/malaise Chills Headache

Anyone on the Baycrest campus with these symptoms will be asked to leave immediately. If you are worried that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 please call the Toronto Public Health hotline at 416-338-7600. Information is available in multiple languages. You can prevent the transmission of respiratory infections through the following practices: Do not come to Baycrest if you are ill or experiencing flu-like symptoms (see above). Wash your hands. Hand hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent transmission of infection. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue out. Cough into your upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.

If you have questions or comments, please email covidquestions@baycrest.org. You can expect a response back within 48 hours.



Client Masking

As part of the infection prevention and control measures at Baycrest, we are introducing client masking as an added layer to further reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. If a patient or resident is able to tolerate and cooperate with wearing a mask, they will be asked to do so in the scenarios outlined below:

Clients with suspected and lab-confirmed COVID-19 when staff are providing care

Clients who are admitted or readmitted during their 14 day self-isolation period when staff are providing care

Hospital rehab patients while ambulating in hallways or receiving therapy in gyms, as tolerated

Clients going outside their home units

Clients going to external appointments in other healthcare facilities

Clients going to ambulatory care appointments on-site

Terraces residents while going outside their suites



Should you have any questions or concerns, please email covidquestions@baycrest.org or contact a member of your care team.

High Holiday Update

As the Fall Holiday season approaches, we want to further elaborate on Baycrest’s plans for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Keeping everyone on our campus safe is our top priority. The risk levels around COVID-19 are significant for seniors, our most vulnerable population, and we continue to act out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with government directives regarding restrictions and safety measures. We must remain vigilant in the precautionary measures we are taking during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, Baycrest Hospital and the Apotex, Jewish Home for the Aged have transitioned Holy Day services to a virtual platform. As a faith-based organization guided by the principles of Judaism, we know the importance of celebrating and of coming together in moments of hardship. Observing the High Holy and Festive Days are of the utmost importance for our community.

Baycrest continues to explore opportunities for meaningful engagement during the holidays. For Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Baycrest’s Spiritual Care Department will have pre-recorded Traditional and Reform services available on smart TVs, Channel 988 and iPads. Additionally, Orthodox educational sessions pertaining to the holidays will be available leading up to the days of Yontif. Furthermore, it is with great appreciation that Baycrest announces a partnership with local community synagogues to stream services for Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Baycrest has connected with our community partners to provide our residents and patients with live-stream opportunities that would enable us to deliver much desired holiday celebrations and observances to our community while members of staff will focus on spiritual support and programming. Baycrest would like to extend its utmost appreciation to Adath Israel Congregation and Beth Torah Congregation for providing access to their synagogues’ live-streamed services. Baycrest thanks both organizations for their generosity during this time.

Baycrest Services Traditional Services Reform Services With

Cantorial Soloist Rachelle Shubert Rosh Hashanah

Saturday September 19

9:30 a.m.

Sunday September 20

9:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah

Saturday September 19

2:00 p.m.

Sunday September 20

2:00 p.m. Kol Nidre (Erev Yom Kippur)

Sunday September 27

7:00 p.m. Kol Nidre (Erev Yom Kippur)

Sunday September 27

6:00 p.m. Yom Kippur

Monday September 28

9:30 - 12:00 p.m.

Monday September 28

7:00 p.m. Yom Kippur

Monday September 28

2:00 p.m.

Monday September 28

6:00 p.m.

Community Services Adath Israel Congregation Beth Torah Congregation Sukkot

Saturday October 3

9:30 a.m.

Sunday October 4

9:30 a.m. Sukkot

Saturday October 3

9:45 a.m. Shemini Atzeret

Saturday October 10

9:30 a.m. Shemini Atzeret

Saturday October 10

9:45 a.m. Simchat Torah

Sunday October 11

9:30 a.m. Simchat Torah

Sunday October 11

9:45 a.m.

As we work to finalize our plans for the holiday season, we are continuing to consider additional offerings to commemorate the holy days. Specifically, we are hoping to be able to develop a schedule to provide residents/patients with the opportunity to visit the Sukkah - socially distanced of course, through designated times per floor/area while being escorted to and from. Details will be provided to clients if and when available. Moreover we have received approval through our Infection Prevention and Control for Baycrest’s Rabbi Law to blow the Shofar. Additionally, we will be working with Baycrest IT to support a live-streamed program from our Sukkah to residents and patients in the Apotex and Hospital. As always, staff will provide holy day-themed programs for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah leading up to the days of Yontif. Apotex residents and Hospital patients will be served a traditional festive meal for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, provided by Baycrest Food and Nutrition Services. Festive meals will be celebrated on September 18-20, September 27, October 5, and October 11-13, 2020. In the event that outbreak protocols are in place during the holidays, residents and patients will be restricted to their units per standard outbreak procedural measures. We understand it is difficult for families to be unable to come together as in years past at this time. At Baycrest, we are doing everything we can to ensure that our residents experience a warm, home-like setting filled with the observance of familiar traditions. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to implement important measures to support the health and safety of our patients and residents. As the situation with COVID-19 is ever-changing, and we acknowledge the possibility of a second wave throughout the fall season, we want to reassure you that we are planning for fall holy day programs and services but must stress that any proposed plans must remain fluid and flexible to change. We are working diligently to develop a meaningful experience that supports our residents and patients within COVID-19 limitations. If you have any immediate questions, please speak to a member of your care team. We thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Rosh Hashanah eVisits

eVisits during the Rosh Hashanah holiday period will be available from Monday, September 14 until Friday, September 18, as well as Sunday, September 20. Please note, eVisits will not be offered on Saturday, September 19. Appointments can be booked through the booking office and are on a first come, first served basis. Please note that bookings must be made at a minimum of 72 business hours prior to the eVisit. Patient & Resident Programming

Please read below for Baycrest’s initial plans for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah in light of the precautionary measures we are taking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping everyone on our campus safe is our top priority. The risk levels around COVID-19 are significant for seniors, our most vulnerable population, and we continue in alignment with government directives. For this reason, Baycrest Hospital and the Apotex, Jewish Home for the Aged will be transitioning Holy Day services to a virtual platform. Pre-recorded services will be accessible to our community as well as educational sessions on the significance of the holidays. As we gain insight into the restrictions and permissions that may be put in place this coming fall, we will communicate any additional program and/or service offerings that may become available. Baycrest is continuing to explore with our community partners about the possibility of offering live-streamed events, utilizing resources for the construction of a sukkah, and more, in order to safeguard our seniors while maximizing spiritual and cultural celebrations and observances. Please note that the use of electronics on Holy Days is traditionally prohibited, but an exception has been made by rabbinic leaders across the globe due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The Union of Orthodox Congregations in America is relying on the responsum written by Rabbi Hershel Schachter of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Rabbinical School of Yeshiva University for engaging the infirmed and isolated. The Commission on Jewish Law of the Conservative Movement issued a special responsum co-authored by Rabbis Joshua Heller, Aaron Alexander, Pamela Barmash and Ashira Konigsburg. The Reform movement permits the use of electronics on Shabbat and Yom Tov so the use of virtual technology is not regarded as a violation of these holy days. Please note, this is not a change in general policy concerning the observance of Shabbat or Holy Days (Yom Tov) at Baycrest. As a faith-based organization guided by the principles of Judaism, we know the importance of celebrating and coming together in moments of hardship. Celebrating The High Holy and Festive Days are of the utmost importance for our community. Apotex residents and hospital patients will be served a traditional festive meal for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, provided by our Food and Nutrition Services team. In addition, staff will provide holiday-themed programs for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah leading up to the days of Yontif. On March 30, 2020, Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health released a directive that residents of long-term care homes must not be permitted to leave the home for short-stay absences to visit family and friends. In alignment with this directive, and for the protection of our patients and residents, leaves of absence from the Apotex, Jewish Home for the Aged and the Hospital are not permitted. If outbreak protocols are in place, residents and patients will be restricted to their units as per standard outbreak procedural measures. We understand it is difficult for families to be unable to come together as in years passed at this time. At Baycrest, we are doing everything we can to ensure that our residents experience a warm, home-like setting filled with the observance of familiar traditions. As we continue to receive directives from the Ministry of Long-Term Care and Toronto Public Health, we will update our plan and provide continued communication to our patients, residents and families.

Physical Distancing

Baycrest is applying physical distancing protocols in all public areas. Physical distancing refers to reducing the probability of contact between persons carrying an infection and others who are not infected. This includes modifying programs, adding spaces between tables in our eating areas, and cancelling large group gatherings and large group events, including concerts, volunteer orientation, synagogue services and recreation programs.

When entering the elevator, please keep a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) between people. If this is not possible, please wait for the next elevator. We will be posting signs by the elevators to remind you of this best practice.

Safety Measures for Visitors

The restrictions on visits with your loved ones have truly been difficult for everyone over the better part of the last four months. Our residents and patients have missed your visits, you have been concerned for their wellbeing, and Baycrest staff have worked tirelessly to provide care, comfort and reassurance while doing their very best to ensure everyone’s safety.

We are relieved to be able to bring families and friends back together on our campus, even as we continue to adapt to the ongoing evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. But we must keep in mind that this comes with an increased risk of introducing and spreading COVID-19 on our campus. Older adult client populations in congregate care settings such as Baycrest are at especially significant risk for the harmful effects of the virus. This is why we must remain resolute and focused on avoiding any significant outbreaks on our campus.

We ask that you please diligently follow all the protocols in place when coming to Baycrest: Do not visit if you are unwell. Patiently wait and answer all the screening questions to help us ensure we are not opening our doors to infection. Sanitize your hands when you arrive and before putting on a mask. Put on the mask at the entrance before walking through the hallways towards the care area, and wear it properly – covering your nose and mouth. Keep the mask on throughout your visit. Maintain appropriate physical distancing (2 metres) between you and everyone your encounter during the visit, including your loved one. If one of our diligent staff members prompts you to keep your mask on or to keep attentive to physical distancing requirements, we ask that you accept these reminders as well intentioned and in the spirit of keeping everyone safe. Respect the mandated limitations on the number of family and friends visiting at any one time and the time limits that have been established for each visit as communicated to you in advance of the visit.

All of these measures were very carefully thought through and represent the very best practices in our sector. We all long for a return to “normal,” but until then, we are asking you to join us in making our “new normal” a safe, healthy one, where COVID-19 cannot easily find its way through our doors. Please watch the Visitor Information Video prior to your visit to ensure you are familiar with these important safety procedures. Watch the Visitors Information Video >



Expanded Visiting for Residents and Patients

We are beginning indoor visits for the hospital and the Apotex. This is welcome news for all as we recognize how difficult this time of visitor restrictions has been for our clients and their loved.

Please click here for Frequently Asked Questions on our expanded visiting program.

Appeals

Baycrest has an appeal process in place for visitation. If an agreement is not reached between the client, family/friend and clinical/management team on issues related to visitation, the client and/or family/friend has the right to request an appeal.

Appeals will proceed in a timely manner; the decision and rationale will be communicated to the person requesting the appeal. Appeals will be received and reviewed during the weekdays, Monday through Thursday and may require up to 72 hours to review.

To request an appeal please use the following submission form. For further information and questions please contact the Client Relations & Experience Office at extensions 2919/6843/2685 or clientrelations@baycrest.org. Please note that all appeal decisions are subject to review by Baycrest and can be potentially reversed should the COVID-19 situation in the organization or the community change.

If you have questions or comments, please email covidquestions@baycrest.org. You can expect a response within 48 hours. In addition, our Client Relations and Experience Office are available to you from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday at any of the following extensions: 6843 or 2919 or 2685.

Visiting for Baycrest Hospital Patients

Each patient in the hospital is able to have access to visitors as follows:

Essential Visitors- Patients who are very ill or dying are permitted two essential visitors in a 24-hour period. These essential visitors may now visit at the same time.

Patients who are very ill or dying are permitted two essential visitors in a 24-hour period. These essential visitors may now visit at the same time. General Visitors- Since the week of July 27, all patients admitted to Baycrest hospital are permitted one designated visitor and one alternate visitor that can visit in the patient’s room. An alternative visitor can only visit should the designated visitor be unable to. Please note that there is only ONE visitor permitted on each date during each visit window. (Restrictions on visitors will remain for patients who are in isolation, including those who are within 14 days of admission or readmission to hospital.)

Since the week of July 27, all patients admitted to Baycrest hospital are permitted one designated visitor and one alternate visitor that can visit in the patient’s room. An alternative visitor can only visit should the designated visitor be unable to. (Restrictions on visitors will remain for patients who are in isolation, including those who are within 14 days of admission or readmission to hospital.) Patients on the Palliative Care Unit (6W) - Patients who do not meet criteria for essential visitors will have access to up to two visitors per day.

Patients may have their designated visitor and/or their alternate visitor visit in the same day, but not at the same time. Visitors may visit seven days a week during the following two blocks of time, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m . There are no in-and-out privileges within one block. Patients on Palliative Care Unit 6W are now also permitted visitors during the 14-day isolation period following admission. Visitors will be required to wear and tolerate appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as directed by staff. Please note that patients on special droplet and contact precautions who are waiting for their COVID-19 test results cannot have visitors, unless they meet the criteria to have essential visitors.



If the designated and alternate individuals are unable to visit, an eVisit may be scheduled, based on resource availability. You may request an eVisit by calling 416-785-2500, ext. 2020 or by emailing eVisit@baycrest.org.



Visitor Schedule

In line with regional and provincial guidance, Baycrest is expanding the Hospital’s visitor policy. Effective Wednesday, September 16, each patient in the Hospital will have access to one visitor per day, seven days a week. There are no in-and-out privileges. All Hospital patients will have a designated visitor and an alternate visitor.

Please note that protocols for essential visitors have not changed. Protocols have also not changed for patients on the Palliative Care Unit 6W. These changes only impact patients on other units and those who do not qualify for essential visitors.

One visitor (designated or alternate) may visit during the windows of time listed below. This schedule has been put in place in order to reduce the number of people on campus and support our continued physical distancing efforts.

Please note: Indoor hospital visits will occur as scheduled on Yom Kippur Monday, September 28.

Unit Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Saturday Sundays 3 East 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 4 East 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 4 West Details of visits for patients available from your care team. 5 East 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 5 West 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 6 East 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 6 West Details of visits for patients available from your care team. 7 East 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 7 West 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. 5 p.m. to

8 p.m. 11 a.m. to

2 p.m.



Holidays will not impact the above schedule unless otherwise communicated.

Entrance and Screening for Baycrest Hospital Visits: If you are an approved, designated visitor for a hospital patient or the alternate visitor, please enter the hospital for your scheduled visit using the Bathurst Street entrance (Entrance #3) from Monday to Friday. On Saturday and Sundays, visitors will need to use the Apotex entrance (Entrance #7). You must pass screening before you can visit your loved one. At the entry, we will: Check your temperature. Ask whether you are feeling ill or experiencing any influenza-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat or other symptoms). Ask if you have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days or had close contact with anyone who has travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days. Had contact with someone who has a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. Anyone who does not pass screening will not be permitted to proceed with the scheduled visit. Please view this helpful Visitor Information Video outlining what you can expect when visiting Baycrest. At this time you will not be required to have a COVID-19 test prior to your visit. Please note that this may change in the future.

Safety Requirements for Hospital Visitors:

There are a number of important rules that have been put in place to protect you, the person you are visiting and the staff, as follows: Wear the mask provided to you at the entrance at all times while in the building. The mask must cover your nose and mouth. Excellent hand hygiene is critical – please wash your hands frequently. Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or 2 metres between yourself and others (including your loved one during your visit). Do not enter an elevator or any other space where you can’t maintain a 6 foot or 2 metre distance. Each elevator includes signage to indicate the maximum numbers permitted at a time. You may only visit the person you are scheduled to see in their room. Once you enter the building you must go directly to the patient care area for your in-room visit. At the end of your visit you will need to exit the building directly, and you will not be able to wait in any of the common areas, seating areas, etc., and you are not to make any purchases from the W.A Café.

At this time, we are permitting visitors to bring with them clean, seasonal clothing for patients.

Please note that as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, so will our visitor policy. This may include scaling back our current policy at any time, in the interest of keeping our patients, visitors and staff safe. We understand that visitor restrictions are difficult for our patients and their loved ones, and we are looking forward to welcoming back all visitors to our hospital once it’s safe to do so. Visitation will be a dynamic process depending on how the pandemic unfolds, and we will make changes to our policy accordingly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone on our campus. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact covidquestions@baycrest.org. You can expect a response within 48 hours. In addition, our Client Relations and Experience Office are available to you from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday at any of the following extensions: 6843 or 2919 or 2685. We appreciate your patience and understanding when arriving for your visit.



Visiting for Apotex Residents

Caregivers for Apotex Residents

Following the latest guidance from the Ministry of Long-Term Care, on Wednesday, September 9 the Apotex, Jewish Home for the Aged will begin working with residents and substitute decision makers (SDM) to identify “caregivers.”

A caregiver is a type of visitor who is designated by the resident and/or their SDM to provide direct care to the resident. Caregivers can be family members, privately hired caregivers and paid companions. Each resident and/or their SDM will have the opportunity to identify a maximum of two caregivers. Please provide the following information to caregiver@baycrest.org or call Anna Ballon at 416-785-2500, ext. 2388 by the end of the day on Monday, September 14:

Your name

Are you an SDM or resident?

Resident’s floor and neighbourhood (if known)

If you are not the resident, name of the resident for whom you are designating a caregiver:

Name of the caregiver(s)

Contact information of the caregiver(s) Phone number Email address Home address





To mitigate the risk of COVID-19, the following measures have been put in place to manage the number of people on the Baycrest campus at any given time:

One caregiver is permitted on site at a time.

There should be a maximum of two visitors in a resident’s room concurrently, inclusive of general visitors, caregivers and essential visitors.

Caregivers will need to have a COVID-19 test every 14 days, participate in an online infection prevention and control (IPAC) training module, and follow all safety measures in place.

During screening at the entrance, caregivers should verbally attest that, in the last 14 days, they have not visited another home in an outbreak or a resident who is self-isolating or symptomatic.

The first time a caregiver enters Baycrest, and at least once a month, they should verbally attest during screening at the entrance that they have read/re-read the Visitor Policy.



Please note that for indoor visits, the following verbal attestation of negative test within 14 days is required from the visitor(s) at the time of entry:

I have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks and since that time, I have not tested positive. I understand that Baycrest may request proof of a negative COVID-19 test and, if this evidence cannot be provided, I may be denied access to Baycrest.

It’s important to note that there are no changes to the process for scheduling general Apotex visits or identifying residents who may become eligible for essential visitors.



Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document for further details.

We thank you for your continued support throughout these challenging times. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact covidquestions@baycrest.org.

Essential Visitors

Residents who are very ill or dying are permitted two essential visitors in a 24-hour period. These essential visitors may visit at the same time and do not need to schedule their visits.

Please note that as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, so will our visitor policy. This may include scaling back our current policy at any time, in the interest of keeping our residents, visitors and staff safe. We understand that visitor restrictions are difficult for our residents and their loved ones, and we are looking forward to welcoming back all visitors to our campus once it’s safe to do so.

General Visits for Apotex Residents

Residents in the Apotex, Jewish Home for the Aged are allowed up to two visitors a time for an indoor visit. Indoor visitors are required to verbally attest at the time of their visit that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks.

I have tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous two weeks and since that time, I have not tested positive. I understand that Baycrest may request proof of a negative COVID-19 test and, if this evidence cannot be provided, I may be denied access to Baycrest.

Visitors will also need to attest that they have not visited another resident who is self-isolating or symptomatic and/or a Home in an outbreak in the last 14 days and that they have read the Baycrest visitor policy with the past month. The condensed policy can be found HERE.

A Baycrest-issued mask must be worn at all times while on campus.

Outdoor Visits:

A COVID-19 test is no longer required for outdoor visits. However, outdoor visitors will need to attest that they have not visited another resident who is self-isolating or symptomatic and/or a home in an outbreak in the last 14 days and that they have read the Baycrest visitor policy with the past month. The condensed policy can be found HERE.

A Baycrest-issued mask must be worn at all times while on campus.

Outdoor visits may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Baycrest will review the forecast each day to determine if a cancellation is required for the following day due to weather conditions such as extreme temperatures, humidity, precipitation or risk of thunderstorms. Should there be a decision to cancel outdoor visits for the following day, this will be decided by noon on the day prior. Anyone who has an outdoor visit scheduled will be notified of the cancellation by phone after the noon hour on the day prior to the visit. Cancellation of outdoor visits will also be posted on our website here.

An indoor visit may be arranged on the same day as the cancelled outdoor visit (time of visit may vary), provided visitors have had a negative COVID-19 test within the past 14 days. Alternatively, the visit can be rescheduled for another day.

Scheduling for Apotex Visits

To schedule a visit, please call 416-785-2500, ext. 2020 or email evisit@baycrest.org. At this time, the schedule for indoor visits will mirror the schedule for outdoor visits, and at the time of booking, visitors will be able to choose if they prefer to visit indoors or outdoors.

The visitation schedule has been put in place in order to reduce the number of people on campus and support our continued physical distancing efforts.

Outdoor visits are 30 minutes in length and indoor visits can be up to 90 minutes.

Our staff is working hard to accommodate as many appointments as possible while balancing the time required to address the care needs of our residents, physical distancing between visit areas, as well as maintain scheduled meal times. At this time, we are not able to accommodate more than one visit per week (up to two visitors at a time).

During your visit Entrance and Screening for Baycrest Apotex Visits: For an Apotex resident indoor visit, please enter the campus for your scheduled visit using the Apotex Entrance #7. You must pass screening before you can visit your loved one. At the entry, we will: Check your temperature. Ask whether you are feeling ill or experiencing any influenza-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat or other symptoms. Ask if you have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days or had close contact with anyone who has travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days. Contact with someone who has a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. Anyone who does not pass screening will not be permitted to proceed with the scheduled visit.

Safety Requirements for Visitors:

There are a number of important rules that have been put in place to protect yourself, the person you are visiting and the staff, as follows: Wear the mask provided to you at the entrance at all times while in the building. The mask must cover your nose and mouth. Note: visitors who cannot tolerate a mask will not be allowed on campus. Good hand hygiene is critical – please wash your hands frequently. Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or 2 metres between yourself and others (including your loved one during your visit). Do not enter an elevator or any other space where you can’t maintain a 6 foot or 2 metre distance. You may only visit the person you are scheduled to see in their room. Please go directly from the screening station to the resident’s room. Common areas, such as the W.A. Café and lounges should not be used.

At this time, we are permitting visitors to bring with them clean, seasonal clothing for residents. Download IPAC Safety Brochure >



Outpatient Services

On March 15, Ontario Hospitals received a directive from the Ministry of Health to limit elective surgeries and non-emergency activities. Due to this request, all outpatient services are closed or delivered virtually, effective March 17. As circumstances with COVID-19 change, we will continue to update our available services. Please visit this page for a list of clinics that are closed or are offering services virtually.

Private Companion Registry

As we continue to do everything possible to limit the introduction or transmission of COVID-19 on our campus, we have initiated a process to ensure that all private companions are tested for COVID-19 and are properly trained in infection prevention measures.

We continue to do everything possible to limit the introduction or transmission of COVID-19 on our campus, we have initiated a process to ensure that all private companions are tested for COVID-19 and properly trained in infection prevention measures. All private companions who support Baycrest patients and residents are now required to be tested for COVID-19. We expect all private companions to submit documentation showing the results of their COVID-19 test by midnight Friday, July 31, 2020 to the secure Baycrest email address privatecompanions@baycrest.org. If a private companion does not get tested, or they test COVID-19 positive, they will be denied entry to Baycrest. If you employ a private companion, an attestation letter has been shared with you. We require you as an employer, to sign the letter by midnight Friday, July 31, 2020. If we do not receive a signed copy of the letter of attestation from employers by the deadline, their respective private companions will be denied entry to Baycrest. All information collected will be kept confidential and will only be used to facilitate resident care and private companion training and testing. Download letter of attestation >

Re-Entry of Students on Campus

Delivering items to residents and patients in Baycrest

Visitors may continue to bring clean, seasonal clothing for the resident or patient they are visiting. Visitors may also bring food for the person they visiting; however, visitors should not bring food for themselves due to the need to continuously mask during their visit. Please be reminded that visitors should not be purchasing food at the WA Café. Please also note that at this time, the W.A. Café and it’s indoor dining area are for use by residents, patients staff and volunteers only and are not for use by visitors.

For a limited time, we are permitting visitors to bring with them clean, seasonal clothing for residents and patients. We recognize that some families may not be able to come for a visit but may wish to deliver seasonal clothing. Further information on this is forthcoming. For a limited time, we are permitting visitors to bring with them clean, seasonal clothing for residents and patients. We recognize that some families may not be able to come for a visit but may wish to deliver seasonal clothing. Further information on this is forthcoming.



We understand that this is yet again, another preventative measure that adds to the stress and challenges associated with the pandemic for many of our clients and their families. However, for the foreseeable future, our primary focus must remain on doing everything possible to prevent more extensive COVID-19 spread among our clients and staff. Their safety is our singular most vital priority at this stage of the pandemic. We will continue to update you on our measures as the COVID-19 situation progresses. You can email covidquestions@baycrest.org should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Virtual Care, eVisits and Wellness Checks

As the province begins to reopen and visitor restrictions are gradually easing, we are beginning to offer an increasing number of in-person modes of socialization and delivering care. This includes outdoor visits and the reopening of some of our outpatient clinics.



Due to increasing capacity for these activities, we are adjusting our resources for virtual modes to enhance in-person care. In light of this, we are gradually decreasing our e-visits and wellness checks to allow shifting of resources to these traditional activities.



While we are returning to an in-person approach for our social activities, we will continue to use telemedicine to enhance coordination and access to quality clinical care. This is particularly important in maintaining the health and wellbeing of our clients where in-person access is not possible.

While we will begin shifting resources back to traditional modes, we have observed the value and benefits of these virtual modes and recognize how important these communication options are for our clients and families. We are committed to helping people connect, and over time, we will look for more sustainable, long-term ways to increase our ability to do both in-person and virtual activities. If you have questions or concerns, please email covidquestions@baycrest.org. A response can be expected within 48 hours. In addition, the Client Relations and Experience Office (CREO) is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday at any of the following extensions: 6843 or 2919 or 2685.

COVID-19

COVID-19 Current Status

To date, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases identified at Baycrest are posted here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Helpful Resources

We have created a page with local, national and international and multilingual resources on COVID-19. Please click here to view it.