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Dear Residents, Families and Friends of MLP Residence:

The much talked about second wave of the pandemic has arrived and case counts throughout Canada remain much higher than expected. Our lives have been changed drastically in the last several months due to COVID-19. Worries about the virus and its impact to our health, the change to the daily routines of our families and the economic effect from this pandemic are weighing on each of us. MLP Residence, in addition to caring for the health of the seniors whom we serve, is also actively monitoring and assisting our Operations Team and their families to ensure their continual good health and safety.

During the past 7 months our dedicated and professional Team have been working diligently to prevent the virus from entering into our buildings. The efforts of all our Team Members at MLP Residence has been spectacular – thus far MLP has managed to keep COVID-19 out of the Community, while ensuring that every resident at MLP receives the award-winning care and services which MLP Residence has become synonymously known for during its 20 years of dedicated service.

MLP Residence’s proactive measures with IPAC controls, including enhanced environmental safety precautions; changes to MLP’s visitation policies; ongoing screening and health checks for all residents, staff and visitors for fever and respiratory symptoms; strict social distancing measures by cancelling congregate dining and group activities; regular COVID-19 testing and examination measures at MLP Residence; and our restructured social and wellness programs – are just a few of the main areas where MLP has actuated center-driven procedures and processes to keep everyone safe and healthy.

I am so very grateful for the tireless dedication of our Operations Teams. Our team members are all heroes – as they work around the clock to support and care for our residents, while ensuring that risks for the contagion at MLP Residence is significantly abridged.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the many families for entrusting us with the care of their loved ones, especially as we navigate through challenging and unchartered waters. In addition, I also want to take this opportunity to thank and appreciate the confidence and dedication of our awesome team members, and their respective families, who have supported MLP during these difficult times. As more cases of COVID-19 are confirmed throughout the Country and with continuing news of outbreaks in senior living and care communities across Canada, I want to share with you all what you can expect from MLP Residence.

First and foremost, we are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our residents and our Team. As I have stated before, it is at moments like these that we remember our true calling and the reason that has brought us to the senior health care industry. We truly love our residents and greatly appreciate our Team Members – as they all form part of MLP’s extended family!

Secondly, MLP Residence continues to closely monitor and implement protocols received from Public Health Ontario, MSAA, RHRA and ORCA. The safety guidelines applied by MLP Residence also takes into account additional provincial and municipal health departments recommendations. MLP’s preparedness and response to COVD-19 has always been an integrated and comprehensive approach. We have developed at the onset a guide outlining our Operations Team’s activities and initiatives in two detailed documents, namely: COVID-19 Policy and MLP Residence’s Phased Re- Opening Plan. These documents summarize the essential elements of senior living and our commitment and response to COVID-19; including surveillance and preparedness planning, workforce planning and support, supply management, communications, and more. We are happy to share these documents and the clinical resources and tools with anyone who wishes to read them.

Thirdly, we have, over the course of this pandemic, put many precautionary measures in place to respond to and stay ahead of COVID-19 hazards. One of the challenges to the commitment for health and safety has been the shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Canada. To protect our Team and our residents we have sourced thousands of PPE from around the globe to ensure that our safety protocols are not adversely affected due to any potential PPE shortages.

Fourthly, one of the hardest decisions we have had to make, during these months – even before it was mandated by the Province – was to restrict visitors to our Retirement Community, except for end-of-life care. While these changes were necessary — and in line with subsequent guidelines received from provincial and local health officials — it was challenging for us all. During the second wave, as the number of positive cases rise again, we may need to enforce visitation restrictions again in the coming days or weeks. I am confident, that as before, families and loved ones, shall work with our Operations Team to ensure that their loved ones and other seniors at MLP Community, continue to remain safe.

Lastly, isolation and mental well-being are predominantly the two most important challenges for seniors during the current pandemic. Our Operations Team has continually been working hard to enhance the lives of our residents through new and innovative activities that are mindful of social distancing requirements. Smaller groups for shared wellness programs, doorway singing, and one-on- one dedicated activities with our residents and the Activity & Wellness Coordinator are just a few of the many ways that we are supporting and engaging our residents during these trying months. Many in our Community have received gifts of puzzles, crossword, word search or adult colouring books. We are so grateful to families and volunteers in the greater community for their generosity in supporting our residents! Our Teams have shown great courage in these times of uncertainty. Their strength and dedication has been truly inspiring. To honour and recognize these real-life heroes MLP Residence is launching “Honoring Our Heroes” campaign to recognize the commitment and compassion of front-line health workers. I know that you appreciate their efforts as much.

The past several months has been uncharted territory for all, but what is familiar, and reassuring, is the ability of the human spirit to rise up against adversity, to come together, to love and support one another. We are doing everything we can to protect our residents and our Team and will continue this commitment in the days, weeks and months to come.

As before, you all will continue to receive regular and ongoing communication and updates from MLP’s General Manager. These communications shall focus on and inform you about any changes to our operational protocols, updates to health and safety measures at MLP, as well as provide general information about our Residence vis a vis the COVID-19 pandemic, If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our General Manager for more information or clarifications.

There are brighter days ahead! Keep safe and well.