This page was updated on October 16, 2025 to reflect updated resource documents from TBDHU.
The Ministry of Health Guidance was updated earlier in 2025:
Resources listed below:
- Resources compiled for easy access: All of the resources compiled on this page support the management of outbreaks in long-term care facilities, retirement homes and public hospitals.
- Divided into sections: The resources are divided into sections so facilities can easily find what they need. Each section can be found below in a separate "tab".
- Most up to date available: The resources listed in the tabs below are the most up to date available.
- Updated documents will be noted: It will be noted below if a resource is updated so facilities are aware of the most recent version of all documents.
Resource guide including all documents:
- Resource guide as a reference: An Outbreak Management Resource Guide is available that includes copies of all resources listed in the tabs below; the goal is to use this document as a reference.
- Download resources from website when needed: However, TBDHU recommends downloading the resources as needed from the website to ensure the most current version is referenced and/or as information is often updated.
Download the Outbreak Management Resource Guide (PDF; colour)
Questions:
- Please direct any questions to the public health nurse responsible for your facility or call 807-625-8318 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630, ext 8318.
- Outbreak Management - Quick Reference and Flowcharts
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- Quick Reference to Outbreak Control & Management: Updated August 2025.
- This printable table summarizes Outbreak Definitions, Control Measures, and Management Guidelines for all types of outbreak (PDF).
- Getting Started: Enteric Outbreak Flowchart - Updated August 2025 (PDF)
- Getting Started: Respiratory Outbreak Flowchart- Updated September 2025 (PDF)
- Quick Reference to Outbreak Control & Management: Updated August 2025.
- Outbreak Control Measures Checklists
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- Enteric Outbreak Control Measures Checklist - Updated August 2025 (PDF)
- Respiratory Outbreak Control Measures Checklist - Updated September 2025 (PDF)
- Line Listing Forms
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- Enteric Outbreak Line List - Residents - Reviewed September 2025 (PDF)
- Enteric Outbreak Line List - Staff - Reviewed September 2025 (PDF)
- Respiratory/COVID-19 Outbreak Line List - Residents - Updated August 2025 (PDF)
- Respiratory/COVID-19 Outbreak Line List - Staff - Updated August 2025 (PDF)
- Facility Reporting Form: Outbreak Case Counts Form - Updated September 2025 (PDF)
- Previously called "End of Outbreak Reporting Form"
- Outbreak Public Health Lab Requisitions
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- Pre-filled Enteric Outbreak Kit Requisition - Updated September 2025 (PDF)
- Prefilled Respiratory and COVID-19 Test Requisition - Updated September 2025 (PDF)
- Outbreak Specimen Collection Instructions
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Enteric
- PHOL Gastroenteritis Testing Information
- Quick Reference to Outbreak Specimen Collection - Enteric - Reviewed October 2025 (PDF)
Respiratory
- PHOL Respiratory Virus Testing Information
- Quick Reference to Outbreak Specimen Collection - Nasopharyngeal swab - Reviewed October 2025 (PDF)
- Nasopharyngeal Specimen Collection Instructions - Public Health Ontario (Poster) - reviewed October 2025 (PDF)
- Ordering NP Swabs and Enteric Kits for Outbreak Purposes
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- PPE Supply Portal: To order COVID-19 Swab Kits or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the PPE Supply Portal, please use the access provided to your facility by MPBSD. Contact sco.supplies@ontario.ca if you are having difficulties or cannot access the portal.
- Order directly from TBDHU: Contact TBDHU directly to order the enteric and respiratory specimen collection kits by calling 807-625-8318 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630 ext. 8318.
- Outbreak Signage
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- CAUTION - Monitoring - Reviewed October 2025 (PDF)
- DECLARED - Reviewed October 2025 (PDF)
- IPAC Hub Posters & Resources : Download and print from the IPAC Hub webpage.
- Public Health Ontario (PHO) Additional Precautions Signage and Lanyard Cards : Download and print from the PHO webpage.
- Antiviral Resources
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Influenza
- It is important to ensure that the most current guidelines/publications/product monographs are accessed as they can be updated yearly, as noted on page 97 of the Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings
- Refer to Public Health Ontario's Flu Antiviral Guidance.
- Please also note the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada’s current guidelines for the use of antiviral drugs for influenza.
- Tamiflu™ product monograph is also available on the manufacturer's website.
COVID-19
- COVID-19 Treatment: Health care providers can find information on the use of select drug therapies for the management of adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 across all disease severities (mild, moderate, severe and critically ill).
- It is important to ensure that the most current guidelines/publications/product monographs are accessed as they can be updated yearly, as noted on page 97 of the Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings
- Outbreak Vaccine Resources
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TBDHU Resources
Other Resources
- Statement on seasonal influenza vaccine for 2025–2026 - National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)
- Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for 2025 to summer 2026 - National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI)
- Outbreak Status Report
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- COVID-19, Influenza and Viral Respiratory Illness Dashboard: This page provides up to date information about the status of respiratory illness activity in the Thunder Bay District.
- Outbreak Notification for the Thunder Bay District: This page provides up to date information about active outbreaks in the Thunder Bay District and can be used by the public to plan visits
- Ontario Respiratory Virus Tool
- Public Health Agency of Canada: FluWatch Surveillance
- Additional Resources
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Ontario
- Recommendations for Outbreak Prevention and Control in Institutions and Congregate Living Settings (Effective: February 2025 (PDF)
- Appendix 1: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Updated: October 2024; PDF)
- Appendix 1: Respiratory Infection Outbreaks in Institutions and Public Hospitals (Effective: September 2025; PDF)
- Appendix 1: Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Institutions and Public Hospitals (Effective: May 2022; PDF)
TBDHU
- IPAC Hub: Outbreak Training Modules
- IPAC Hub: PPE Training Videos
Other
For Further Information
Call the Infectious Disease or Environmental Health Programs: (807) 625-5900 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630