We’re celebrating cautiously this year with Christmas decorations, Chinese Winter Solstice treats, themed music and activities for all our residents. Everyone is looking forward to our festive menu, and we’re finding ways to sing and be active a safe distance apart. After two years of pandemic disruptions we’re determined to foster connection, hope and fun with our seniors.

We’re also taking time to remember. Congratulations to Yee Hong Peter K Kwok Hospice for a successful “Love & Light” celebration earlier this month. Staff, donors and family members gathered with warm hearts on a cold night to mark our first year of hospice care. We shared music and memories with grateful families, and decorated the hospice Christmas tree to commemorate life. We thank all our donors, well wishers and supporters, and your donations are always welcome.

Christmas is also a time to visit and share with loved ones. Under normal circumstances our Centres buzz with activity during the holidays but Ontario is changing the rules to reduce risk from the Omicron variant.

• Everyone entering an Ontario long-term care home must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
• You may not visit if you are ill or have symptoms, even if your symptoms are mild.
• A negative rapid test is required for everyone entering our buildings. This requirement applies to everyone, regardless of your vaccination status. Rapid tests are valid for 48 hours.
• Children between the ages of 1 and 5 should be left at home if you visit. Everyone including children older than 5 should be fully vaccinated to enter the building.

A complete description of visitor restrictions is on our website. We will continue to share new directives from the provincial government as they occur.

Please stay home if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure to a known case, and get the booster dose of vaccine if you have not already. During your visit clean your hands often, and if you brought food for a loved one, don’t share with others in the room. If you’re considering time away from Yee Hong with a resident, ask us for safety tips. These are prudent and cautious steps you can take to show your kindness to our entire community of seniors.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and I thank you for all the support you have shown the Yee Hong team this year. You’ve seen we are ready to meet the challenge COVID-19 presents, including this next wave of the pandemic. Thank you for celebrating the season with Yee Hong.