At GEM Health Care Group, we prioritize an environment that is healthy and safe for everyone. Our team members go above and beyond to provide exceptional care for our residents, and we continue to implement best practices and safety measures regarding COVID-19.
We will post any updates regarding COVID-19 and our facilities here.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Update for Nova Scotia Long Term Care — Effective July 6th 2022
With the latest Directive by the Government of Nova Scotia and Department of Seniors and Long Term Care, all GEM Long Term Care facilities (LTCFs) in Nova Scotia will be following these changes as specified:
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for designated caregivers or visitors entering the facility.
- No limit to number of visitors per resident at one time (unless otherwise imposed by the facility due to operational feasibility).
- Active screening is no longer required to enter facilities, all visitors will be asked to self screen when entering the facility, and a screening tool will be posted at the facility entrance.
- Asymptomatic admissions from community are no longer required to isolate; upon admission, residents will be screened for symptoms and may complete voluntary testing.
The health and well-being of our residents and employees is of utmost importance to GEM Health Care Group. At this time, we are maintaining that masks still be worn in our facilities to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, unless otherwise stated by the facility. Please contact your facility for site-specific protocols and check back often for updates.
GEM Health Care Group has been working diligently to ensure our communities remain safe throughout the pandemic. We thank everyone for their patience, support, and adherence to these protocols as we strive to minimize COVID-19 spread in our facilities and residents.
Update — January 13th 2022
The health and well-being of our residents and employees is of utmost importance to GEM Health Care Group. In addition to adhering to provincial public health guidelines, we have implemented the following protocols at our facilities in response to the increased risk of COVID-19 transmission:
- All facilities are presently locked down and closed to visitors.
- Residents are required to remain at their facility, except to attend medical appointments.
- Residents are being monitored to ensure they are practicing social distancing and wearing their masks appropriately.
- Stringent infection control processes remain in place including increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
- Dining rooms and gathering spaces have been adapted to allow for adequate physical distancing standards that comply with public health directives.
- All employees undergo screening protocols including temperature checks and are expected to practice social distancing.
In addition to the above protocols, facilities with at least one case of COVID-19 are implementing the following:
- All residents and employees are currently being tested for COVID-19 using rapid tests. This will continue on regular intervals until there is no COVID-19 at the facility.
- Twice daily temperature screening of residents and staff are being administered. As precaution, those with a fever will be isolated and have further COVID-19 testing administered.
- All employees are mandated to wear full PPE (face shields, masks, medical gowns, and gloves)
GEM Health Care Group is working diligently to ensure our communities remain safe throughout the pandemic. We thank everyone for your patience, support, and adherence to these protocols as we strive to do our part to keep COVID out of our facilities and away from our residents.
Please contact your facility for site-specific protocols and check back often for updates.
Update for Facility Visitors – November 1st 2021
Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has determined, given the ongoing presence of COVID-19 and its Delta variant in Nova Scotia and the effectiveness of immunization at stopping transmission, that all personnel and visitors to a High-Risk Setting must provide proof of vaccination (being fully vaccinated) before November 30, 2021.
As of November 30th, 2021, visitors, volunteers, outside service providers, and designated caregivers, will need to be fully vaccinated to enter our facility. You are not considered fully vaccinated until 14 days after any of the following:
- You have received your second dose of a two-dose series vaccine (e.g. Moderna/Pfizer)
- You have received a one-dose series vaccine (E.g. Johnson & Johnson)
- You have received the final dose in any other World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine.
While being screened you will be asked to show your proof of vaccination and valid ID according to the requirements above. If you are unable to show proof of vaccination and ID after November 30, 2021, you will not be permitted to enter any of our facilities.
For more information, please see COVID-19 Protocol for Mandatory Vaccination in High-Risk Settings or visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/restrictions-and-guidance/
More information about COVID-19 and vaccinations can be found below.