COVID-19 Update for May 7, 2020 – 2:00pm
Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Health Christine Elliott provided updates on the province giving hospitals the green light to resume non-COVID related procedures and surgeries. “To those waiting, we are here for you. Help is on the way,” said Premier Ford.
The Government of Ontario also announced today financial assistance for the forestry sector.
Non-COVID Related Care Resuming
Premier Ford and Minister Elliott announced that Ontario Health has developed a framework that takes an “equitable, measured and responsible approach” to resuming surgeries and procedures. Hospitals will be required to follow strict criteria for resuming procedures, with an initial focus on cancer and cardiac care. According to the framework, hospitals will need to ensure 15% capacity remains for any surge in COVID-19 cases and a rolling 30-day supply of personal protection equipment.
To free up bed capacity, Ontario hospitals have cancelled 52,700 elective surgeries since March 15 and are delaying an additional 12,200 surgeries each week that operating rooms remain idle.
You can read the government’s news release here and the Framework here.
Assistance for Forestry Jobs & Workers
Today, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski announced the government is making $3.5 million available to help put protective measures in place for workers who plant trees this season. According to the news release, the money will be used for larger camp facilities and additional kitchens to provide more space, as well as extra personal protective equipment, plastic partitions for transporting workers and more wash stations.
Cottage Update
The Premier released a statement earlier today saying that he had a productive call with a number of cottage country mayors and is encouraging individuals to remain vigilant and continue to avoid nonessential travel as much as possible.
“There will be plenty of long weekends to come,” he said, adding: “Right now, we need to focus on doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians. We’re all in this together and together we will beat COVID-19.”
Ontario Together Fund
Virox Technologies Inc., has been provided with an $850,000 grant from the Ontario Together Fund to help fight COVID-19. Virox, a manufacturer located in Oakville, will be doubling its production of disinfectant supplies to 6,000 cases a day while creating 20 part-time positions and retaining 120 jobs.
You can read the government’s news release here.
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