COVID-19 Update for May 13, 2020 – 2:05pm
Premier Doug Ford’s daily briefing included announcements about a new emergency order for long-term care facilities and an agreement for education sector workers to be redeployed into congregate care settings. Health Minister Christine Elliott provided an update on surveillance testing, and Education Minister Stephen Lecce noted that a decision on whether schools will re-open in June will come next week.
Emergency Order
The new emergency order will allow Ontario to issue a mandatory management order for long-term care homes struggling with COVID-19 outbreaks, supporting rapid and immediate management alternatives to protect residents and staff. “By taking this step, we will be better prepared to immediately swing into action if a home is struggling to contain this deadly virus,” said Ford.
Voluntary Redeployment of Education Workers
Ford also announced that the provincial government is working with the education sector to voluntarily place education workers in staffing roles needed at congregate care settings such as hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes, women’s shelters, and homes serving those with developmental disabilities.
Starting later this week, eligible education sector staff who volunteer will be able to register through an online portal matching skill sets with facilities facing staff shortages in roles such as custodial, maintenance, food preparation and social services.
You can read full press release here.
Surveillance Testing
Health Minister Elliott noted that Ontario will soon be rolling out a plan to conduct randomized testing of the general population. “As we re-open the economy, it is really important to do surveillance testing in the community so we understand what the health impacts are and make required changes,” she explained.
School Decision Pending
Education Minister Lecce was asked about schools re-opening, responding that no decision has been made yet on whether classes will resume in June. He said he is waiting for updated coronavirus modelling from public health officials before taking action, promising that an announcement on schools will come next week.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team