The Covid-19 case numbers are spiking and the Province of Ontario is getting more strategic in its approach to testing.
Today Premier Doug Ford announced over $1 billion to be invested in expanded testing and contact tracing.
He says it will make a huge difference.
But until Health Canada provides approval for rapid tests, he says Ontario also has to be more strategic.
“We need to prioritize those who are at greatest risk,” said Ford. “Starting today, they are asking people to only get a test if you have Covid-19 symptoms, have been exposed to a confirmed case, or are a resident or work in a setting that has Covid outbreak or, a resident or work in an at-risk setting such as long term care homes, shelters or healthcare.”
Ford still stresses that no one who needs a test will be turned away, but the new shift turns away from a focus on asymptomatic case testing.
Additionally, over 500 new public health nurses will start to work in schools to determine the difference between simple cases of the sniffles and Covid-19 among students.
We're building on the largest provincial testing initiative in Canada by providing $1.07 billion to expand #COVID19 testing and case and contact management. We're also immediately investing $30 million to prevent and manage outbreaks in priority sectors. https://t.co/dsSVYFraVp pic.twitter.com/LAzyJBKxXu
— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) September 24, 2020
To watch the Province’s full September 24th address, see below.
Premier Ford and Minister Elliott make an Announcement
Premier Ford and Minister Elliott make an Announcement
Posted by FordNation on Thursday, September 24, 2020
(Photo via Ford Nation FB Page)