QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner released the following statement after meeting with the Premier and leaders of other parties to discuss COVID-19:
“I appreciate the Premier, Minister of Health, Minister of Finance and Chief Medical Officer of Health taking the time to meet with leaders of all four parties today to give us an update on the provincial response to COVID-19.
I was assured that Ontario remains in the containment phase of the novel coronavirus, but that preparations are being made to deal with the potential for a surge in cases.
Now is the time for all of us to work together in our communities and across party lines.
The best thing everyone can do is to use good hygiene practices, to stay home if they are sick, and to contact their local health unit if they have concerns.
The government says it is preparing to deploy special assessment centres and working with hospitals to ensure they are ready.
Given the possibility that we move to community-based spread, I urge the government to be laser-focused on COVID-19 readiness and to keep the public fully informed.
I am glad the Premier is setting aside a $100 million COVID-19 contingency fund in the upcoming budget. But we must be prepared to invest more.
We cannot hold back in equipping our health system with every resource it needs to keep people safe and to inform the public.”