TORONTO — The Ministry of Long-Term Care has approved a new voluntary management agreement which allows Lakeridge Health to provide enhanced support to Sunnycrest Nursing Home in Whitby, Ontario.

This arrangement will help to address the current spread of COVID-19 in the long-term care home, help stabilize the situation and return the home to normal operations.

"Protecting the health and well-being of our long-term care residents who are most vulnerable, is our top priority," said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care. "I thank the dedicated staff at Lakeridge Health and Sunnycrest Nursing Home for working together to stop the COVID-19 outbreak in this long-term care home."

During these unprecedented times, the province is using every tool available to keep Ontarians safe. Management contracts are one example of the measures Ontario has utilized on behalf of long-term care residents and staff. Ongoing measures include emergency funding, regulatory flexibility, staffing support, expanded testing, along with direction and guidance on outbreak management, and infection prevention and control.

The Ministry of Long-Term Care will continue to make decisions based on case-by-case assessments, and in partnership with the local hospitals, as to which long-term care homes may require additional interim hospital support.