Please see below the most recent updates on the federal and provincial governments’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provincial Update:
- Today the Premier and Minister of Education announced the investment of $35M to provide additional and immediate school board support in the communities of Peel, Ottawa, Toronto and York Region so they may enhance their public health measures and increase protection strategies. This is a response to the higher rates of transmission in their communities.
- To further enhance the safety of students and staff, this funding will be used for:
- Providing increased distancing between students through the hiring of additional teachers, early childhood educators, and educational assistants; and
- Providing increased remote learning supports, including the hiring of additional teachers, early childhood educators and educational assistants, as well as devices for students who have chosen to learn remotely.
QUESTIONS:
- The Minister of Education was asked today why it is ok for school boards to have teachers work between schools when it is not allowed in LTC wherein he advised that there is enhanced screening and strict protocols for these teachers to ensure the health and safety of everyone.
- When asked if people should avoid going to the hot spots in Ontario mainly Toronto, Peel and Ottawa, Dr. Williams advised that there are no travel advisories in place. He reiterated that the government, last week, suggested to limit contact outside of your household and decrease your bubble, and to always maintain the public health guidelines.
- The media advised that Dr. DeVilla has made a request to Dr. Williams about creating further limits on indoor dining in Toronto to which Dr. Williams advised that they are reviewing the data and reiterated that the government has already enforced new changes like limiting 6 people to a table, curtailing line-ups and congregating outside restaurants and further advised that they will continue to monitor the data with the new rules in place.
- When asked about the rollout of the pharmacies completing testing, the Premier said that he is proud of the way the pharmacies have stepped up. Currently, Ontario has almost 100 pharmacies testing and are on target to have another 100 pharmacies join by next week.
- When asked about testing and lab capacity, the Premier advised that we currently have an issue in getting diagnostic lab technicians and reiterated again that there is a global shortage on reagent. This is why the government is eagerly working towards getting rapid testing in Ontario.
- When asked about the rapid changes to rules around COVID-19 over the last few weeks and if he felt that Ontarians were confused, the Premier advised that he feels that everyone is on the same page and that all levels of government are collaborating to keep residents of Ontario safe and ensure that they are all delivering the same message. He asked people to use common sense and follow the health guidelines.
James Barry
Executive Secretary Treasurer
IBEW Construction Council of Ontario
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