The Chief Medical Officer of Health has issued an updated version of Directive #5 that applies to public hospitals, long-term care homes and retirement homes. The amendments aim to enhance required health and safety precautions in these settings in order to reduce the risks to patients and regulated health professionals/health care workers associated with the second wave of COVID-19.

Physiotherapists that work in these settings must be provided with a fit-tested N95 respirator or approved equivalent or better protection if:

• The PT determines such is required based on their point-of care risk assessment, professional and clinical judgement and proximity to the patient; or
• The PT working in a home/hospital with a declared COVID-19 outbreak comes in contact with a suspected, probable or confirmed case of COVID-19 in a patient/resident where 2-metres distance cannot be assured.