Tuesday, May 27, 2025 (Muskoka, ON) - In recognition of National AccessAbility Week, the District of Muskoka, together with its Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), is launching a community survey to gather feedback on accessibility within District-operated programs, services, and facilities.

The goal is to better understand individual experiences and identify opportunities to reduce barriers, to help shape the next Multi-Year Accessibility Plan which guides accessibility priorities at the District level.

“The District is working toward a future where accessibility is built in from the start. When we upgrade or build new, accessible features are becoming standard across Muskoka,” said Suzanne Olimer, Commissioner of Finance and Corporate Services and Chair of the Staff Accessibility Working Group. “We need your feedback to ensure everyone can access District services with confidence and independence.”

The survey is open from May 27 to June 9, 2025, and includes seven short questions. Responses will help the District meet and strive to exceed requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

To share your feedback online, please visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/multi-year-accessibility-plan.

Alternate versions of the survey are available. Residents can request a mailed copy with return postage or complete the survey by phone by contacting 705-645-2100 ext. 4228 or emailing clerk@muskoka.on.ca

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Effective July 1, 2025, an inflationary increase of 2.4 per cent (%) will be applied to the co-payment rates for basic and preferred accommodation in Long-Term Care (LTC) Homes.

The basic co-payment rate will increase from $66.95 (or $2,036.40 per month) to $68.56 per day (or $2,085.37 per month). This represents an increase of $1.61 per day. Residents who choose semi-private or private accommodation are charged an additional premium above the daily basic co-payment rate. The respective premiums for semi-private and private accommodation will also increase by 2.4%, effective July 1, 2025.

Please refer to the enclosed bulletin for the applicable preferred accommodation rates for your home.

As outlined in Ontario Regulation 246/22, the annual co-payment rate increase is based on the rate of inflation measured by the change in the prior year Canadian Consumer Price Index (CPI), and is capped at 2.5%. Given the change in the prior year CPI was 2.4%, an inflationary increase of 2.4% will be applied, effective July 1, 2025.

MLTC Co-Payment LTCH Bulletin 2025-2026

Breaking the chain of infection involves interrupting the transmission of pathogens at any point in the process. This can be achieved through various preventative measures such as proper hand hygiene, vaccination, and respiratory hygiene. By effectively addressing these links, individuals can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

The Chain of Infection:

The chain of infection refers to the sequence of events required for a pathogen to spread from one person to another. It consists of the following links:

1. Infectious Agent: The germ or pathogen (e.g., bacteria, virus, fungi) that causes the infection.
2. Reservoir (Source): The place where the infectious agent lives and multiplies (e.g., a person, animal, or environment).
3. Means of Exit: How the agent escapes from the reservoir (e.g., coughing, sneezing, shedding).
4. Mode of Transmission: How the agent is transmitted (e.g., airborne droplets, direct contact, contaminated surfaces).
5. Means of Entry: How the agent enters a new host (e.g., respiratory tract, skin break).
6. Susceptible Host: An individual who is at risk of becoming infected.

Breaking the Chain of Infection:

Breaking any of these links can prevent the spread of infection. Here are some key strategies:

• Hand Hygiene: Washing hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs can effectively remove or kill pathogens, disrupting the mode of transmission.
• Respiratory Hygiene: Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow and disposing of used tissues properly can prevent the spread of airborne droplets.
• Vaccination: Staying up-to-date on recommended vaccines protects against many infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight off pathogens.
• Environmental Control: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, especially high-touch areas, can prevent the transmission of pathogens through contaminated objects.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Using PPE such as gloves, masks, and gowns can protect against exposure to infectious agents.
• Isolation: Isolating residents with infectious diseases, especially in healthcare settings, can prevent further transmission.

By understanding the chain of infection and implementing these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases.

National AccessAbility Week takes place every year, starting on the last Sunday in May.

This year, join us from May 25 to 31 to celebrate:

• the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada
• the work of allies, organizations, and communities that are removing barriers
• ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and disability inclusive Canada

If you would like more information, click on the link below:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html

A Public Inspection and Order Report has been posted on the ministry's Reports on Long-Term Care Homes website, and can be accessed through this link.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar Home Area Outbreak has been declared over as of May 28, 2025. Six (6) residents remain isolated, but can come out of their rooms with a mask. This isolation will be finished as of midnight tonight. General Visitors are now welcome in the home area. Please ensure that you screen yourself prior to visiting your loved one, and if you are feeling unwell, that you postpone visiting.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar home area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak. There is a total of nine (9) residents with respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and/or congestion. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required on this unit, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Family members of those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Cedar Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar home area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak. There is a total of fourteen (14) residents with respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and/or congestion. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required on this unit, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Family members of those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Cedar Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time.

In collaboration with Public Health, the Cedar home area remains in a Respiratory Outbreak. There is a total of fifteen (15) residents with respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and/or congestion. Respiratory isolation only requires ONE symptom for isolation. Masks are now required on this unit, so please ensure you are following proper hand hygiene and respiratory precautions. Family members of those affected have been notified.

The following infection control measures are to be implemented and followed:

• Surgical Masks are required in the Cedar Home Area
• Ensure the Public Health 4 moments of Hand Hygiene are followed
• Twice Daily IPAC Surveillance screening
• Resident's Hand Hygiene before all meals and regularly throughout the day
• Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used properly- including donning before entering and removing before exiting the isolated resident’s room
• Residents are to remain in the affected home area at this time to reduce the risk of spread
• *If residents insist on leaving the home area, please assist them with masking or a visor and encourage outdoor visiting.
• Immediate isolation of any residents with new symptom onset
• Cohorting of residents and only small group activities in the home area for unaffected residents. Isolated residents to receive one-to-one activities.
• Twice daily high-touch surface cleaning- changing disinfecting product to a 1-minute contact time and containing sporicidal
• No General Visitors at this time. Only two (2) essential caregivers at a time.