It is more good news for long-term care residents in Ontario.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health has given the all-clear for residents to spend time away for day trips or overnight absences.
For trips that don't require an overnight stay, homes must provide residents with a medical mask to be worn at all times when outside of the home, and remind them of the importance of public health measures.
When they come back, residents must be actively screened but do not need to be tested or to self-isolate.
Temporary absences of one or more nights will be at the discretion of the home and decided on a case-by-case basis, based on safety factors and the ability of the home to help residents self-isolate upon return.
Those residents will be required to self-isolate for 14 days when they return to the home. If a home denies the temporary absence request, they must explain why in writing.
"This is a day we have all looked forward to, and it is my hope that these welcome changes will improve our residents' quality of life, while keeping them safe," said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. "As Ontarians begin to resume their pre-COVID activities, residents in long-term care will be able to get out and about in their communities and spend time with loved ones again."