This is tough news for already homebound seniors.

Our seniors have to stay indoors for now, according to new anti COVID-19 guidelines.

Starting on October 16 all short-term and temporary absences for social or personal reasons are being paused for seniors in long-term care homes.

The measure affects seniors in regions with high community spreads, including Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Region. It is based on advice of the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The province says only absences for medical or compassionate reasons will be allowed.

“We recognize these changes may be difficult for the residents and families affected,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, said in a statement.

“But our priority has to be the safety and well-being of the residents and staff in Ontario’s long-term care homes.”

All seniors’ homes in Etobicoke are affected and a list of homes can be viewed online.

“People planning a visit to a long-term care home are advised to contact the home in advance, to make sure the home is free of outbreaks and to get information on the home’s visitor policy and any restrictions,” according to the Ontario government.

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health, said there are 14 outbreaks in long-term care homes in Toronto.

“To be clear, that’s 14 of about 100 long-term care homes,” she explains.

She said “it is important for people to think about the risk they might present as a visitor in a long-term care setting.”

The province on October 7 made more changes to the types and number of visitors permitted in long-term care homes in areas of high community spread.

Only essential visitors, including up to one caregiver per resident, may visit and general visitors are not allowed.

Caregivers are essential visitors who are designated by a resident or their substitute decision maker, to provide care for the resident.