COVID-19 Update for January 9 – 11:45AM

Today, Stephen Lecce held a press conference announcing the extension of the free emergency childcare that is given to frontline workers.

Free childcare for frontline workers extended and expanded for an additional two weeks
The Government of Ontario has announced the extension of their free childcare program for frontline workers across the province for an additional two weeks. This extension coincides with the extension of school closures across the province due to the increased COVID-19 case numbers in school age children.

This program has also been expanded to include additional essential workers that were not included in the first iteration of the program. This expansion includes workers at the Canada Border Service Agency, additional healthcare workers and education workers that are unable to work from home during the extended lockdown.

Upcoming announcements on asymptomatic testing and additional funding for schools
During questions from the media, Minister Lecce announced that there will be further measures and announcements coming over the next week. These announcements will include an additional $380M for ventilation upgrades in schools, asymptomatic testing being introduced and a possible proactive screening program for symptoms in students.