High vaccination rates in long-term care homes means more social connections between residents and their friends and families.

Beginning June 9, restrictions will be eased in terms of visiting and activity that can be carried out by individuals living in LTC.

This means that residents who are fully vaccinated will now be able to leave their long-term care homes for day and overnight social outings and visits with loved ones.

Also, if a resident has mobility or health issues that make outdoor visits difficult, they can now have one visitor at a time inside the home.

Possibly the biggest change sees residents and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, now able to briefly hug. If both individuals are fully vaccinated, physical contact can now fully take place.

As of May 30, around 97 per cent of LTC residents are fully immunized.