QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner made the following statement:
“COVID-19 is airborne, as many public health experts like Dr. Abdu Sharkawy and Dr. Amit Ayra have made clear.
It spreads and lingers like smoke within indoor spaces.
Yet even now, almost 2 years into the pandemic, COVID-19 is still largely being treated with droplet measures like sanitizing and plexiglass. Many Ontarians are not aware of how COVID-19 actually spreads. This is a failure by the government.
Today, there are 1290 new COVID-19 cases in Ontario. This is the single largest increase since late May. We’re trending in the wrong direction, and the recent modelling is concerning to say the least.
That’s why I am calling for a mass information campaign to educate the public, businesses and other establishments that COVID-19 is airborne.
This will help individuals and organizations make better decisions to protect themselves and others.
In addition to an information campaign, I’m calling on the government to implement the necessary measures to protect against airborne spread, including:
- Supplying high-quality masks and respirators such as N95s to anyone in high-risk areas, including healthcare or education settings
- Significant investments in ventilation upgrades to improve air quality in all congregate areas
We have to listen and act on the science. Enough with beating around the bush.
And it’s on the government to educate the public on how COVID-19 actually spreads and to implement the necessary airborne measures to protect Ontarians.”