COVID-19
Access to ACE’s Services
Since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in Ontario in March 2020, as we have faced uncertainty and a global health crisis, our mission at ACE has become more important than ever, as the older population in our communities, particularly those residing in long-term care homes, remain the most vulnerable and hardest hit.
In response to the multiple COVID-19 waves, we have altered our service delivery approach. The ACE staff are working a hybrid work model, splitting their time between working in the office and working from outside the office. We continue to be open by phone for new intakes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (9:00 a.m. to Noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.), and we continue to provide services to ongoing clients. However, to ensure the health and safety of all we have decided, until further notice, the following:
- To only meet with clients or prospective clients in person when both our staff and the client are comfortable with meeting in person; and
- To only participate in meetings and public legal education activities in person when our staff feel comfortable.
The ACE offices are staffed for in-person appointments but we ask that you first contact us by phone at 416-598-2656 / 1-855-598-2656 to confirm our COVID-19 protocols. Drop-in are welcome during our scheduled intake hours.
COVID-19 and Your Legal Rights: Information and Resources
As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes in behaviour in order to curb the pandemic and keep people safe. Changes have been mandated in many ways, for example through legislation laws, Directives, Orders, public policies, and institutional policies.
Please find below links to COVID-19 legal information and resources. However, please note that the materials on COVID-19 measures are subject to frequent changes or amendments. While we will attempt to keep the material current, there may be lag time due to the swift pace at which things change. If you have any questions about a specific COVID-19 issue as relating to a senior, please contact our office during our intake hours.
Retirement Homes:
Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority: COVID-19 Information and Resources
Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority: COVID-19 Resources for Retirement Home Operators
Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Health Sector Guidance
Ministry of Health: Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings – April 2024
Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Screening Tool for Long-Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes. Version 13 – August 31, 2022
Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility: COVID-19 Guidance Document for Retirement Homes in Ontario, Version 5 – April 19, 2024
Memo from Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility Assistant Deputy Minister’s Office: Enhanced Masking Recommendation Update for Retirement Homes – August 5, 2024
Long-Term Care Homes:
Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Health Sector Guidance
Minister’s Directive: COVID-19 Response Measures for Long-Term Care Homes
Government of Ontario: COVID-19 guidance document for long-term care homes in Ontario
Government of Ontario: COVID-19 Safety Measures: What You Can Expect in Your Long-Term Care Home – Updated: June 26, 2023
Ministry of Health: Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings – April 2024
Ministry of Health: Infectious Diseases Protocol, 2023 – Effective July 2023
Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Screening Tool for Long-Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes. Version 13 – August 31, 2022
Ministry of Long-Term Care: COVID-19 Guidance Document for Long-Term Care Homes in Ontario – Dated: June 26, 2023
Ministry of Long-Term Care: COVID-19 Response Measures FAQs – Dated: June 26, 2023
Memo from Office of the Associate Deputy Minister, Long-Term Care Operations, Ministry of Long-Term Care RE: COVID-19 Response Measures Update – Dated: June 23, 2023
Hospitals:
Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Health Sector Guidance
O. Reg. 319/21: TRANSFER OF HOSPITAL PATIENTS filed April 28, 2021 under Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.9
Ministry of Health Memorandum: Amendment to Emergency Order (O. Reg. 272/21: Transfer of Hospital Patients) under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act
Reports on Response to COVID-19
Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission – Final Report
Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission Transcript: The Advocacy Centre for the Elderly – Graham Webb, Jane Meadus, Alyssa Lane on Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Office of the Auditor General of Ontario: COVID-19 Preparedness and Management. Special Report on Pandemic Readiness and Response in Long-Term Care – April 2021
Patient Ombudsman: COVID-19 Special Report 1
Patient Ombudsman: COVID-19 Special Report 2
Patient Ombudsman: COVID-19 Special Report 3
Ombudsman Ontario Investigation into the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s oversight of long-term care homes through inspection and enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons for the Long Term – September 7, 2023
Consumer Protection:
To report anyone charging higher-than-usual prices for in-demand products, you can report online or call Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-800-889-9768 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
General COVID-19 Legal Information and Resources:
Steps to Justice COVID-19 resources (topics include Abuse and Family Violence, Criminal Law, Debt and Consumer Rights, Employment and Work, Family Law, Health and Disability, Housing Law, Human Rights, and Income Assistance)
COVID-19-related Legislation, Orders, and Bylaws:
Health Canada – Public Health Agency of Canada
Information about local orders and by-laws related to COVID-19 can be obtained from either the City or Municipality in which you live or their Public Health Unit by going to their website or contacting them directly