Coronavirus outbreak: Ontario Premier Doug Ford, officials stress importance of helping care homes

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other government officials provided a provincial COVID-19 update on Saturday.

Ford said that they have received thousands of submissions to the "Ontario Together" initiative. The submissions came after issuing a call to action last month for companies to start manufacturing medical supplies amid the virus outbreak, which resulted in $90 million in medical equipment purchases for front line workers in the province.

Ford also stressed the importance of helping vulnerable people and care homes during the outbreak, saying that the province must “do everything we can” to support those living in care facilities and the medical staff who work there. Health Minister Christine Elliott added that they are “working 24/7” to ensure that healthcare workers are provided with the equipment they need.

Elliott also said that there are nearly 6,000 COVID-19 tests done per day in the province, but that it is expected to reach up to 8,000 per day by mid April, and then double by the end of the month. She stated that they want to focus their resources on high risk areas, including long term care homes with outbreaks and front line workers.

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[nemesisismyfriend]

The reason that so many PSWs have to work multiple jobs is because longterm care homes refuse to hire fulltime employees. They hire mostly part time workers so that they don't have to give them benefits and sick leave. Changes need to be made to their hiring process.

[ChrisQDao]

The people work in grocery stores also need face masks

[SusanCanada]

Let’s keep it in Canada. Yes!!!! I miss those tags MADE iN 🇨🇦 CANADA

[lisalapree]

I am only buying made in Canada from now on.! Lets make Canadian Culture happen!! MR. FORD YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB, I didn't vote for you, but man your stepping up for canada!!!!

[troods]

Mr. Ford, you have more than risen to the occasion! You poor man, there's so much stress on your shoulders... but THANK YOU. Thank you for giving us hope, thank you for your courage and your compassion during this difficult time. You have stepped up from the very beginning. You say our frontline workers are heroes, and I completley agree but Mr. Ford, you are also a hero. I'm proud to call you Premier Ford. Thank you so much, I hope you have a wonderful Easter Sunday. God bless you and your family. 💜

[peterf]

I did not vote for this guy but boy was I wrong. Doug Ford is the man you want in the crisis. Great job Doug

[dikonga]

I salute you sir. You are doing a marvelous job taking care of your constituents. MORE POWER TO YOU AND TO YOUR STAFF!!!!

[d.dhamchoe]

Dough Ford is a true and honest leader. He speaks from his heart. He has a genuine concern for the .Ontarian s. I am very proud of having such a wonderful leader and am being very proud of being a Canadian. May you rise even higher as you deserve the best.

[rodrigoalmanza]

Our responsibility now and after this crisis, as an Ontarian is " BUY- MADE IN ONTARIO "

[jaliz]

Healthcare workers understand duty but to ask them to risk their lives without PPE is negligence. They will become patients. Healthcare workers, PSW s have families to support also.

[dancouver]

Never thought I'd say this but thank you and great job Doug Ford. You're truly rising to the occasion and it must be killing so many of the overly partisan conservatives to see you cooperating with the federal government and being an adult.

[valoriecarson]

Love your Canadian way. Love what you do for Ontario. Thank you for what you do for us. Thank you for what do for Ontario. I know you've worked so hard.I love your tshirt. Thank you Mr. Ford. God bless you and your family. God bless the world. I pray for a a vaccination. God help us all.

[jimiplayscobo]

I'm proud Doug Ford is our premier during this Virus. He really does seem to care about all the People in our province. Peace :)

[jerrystirpe]

How about the banking system charging people interest on the interest for deferring a mortgage? Sounds like price gauging but thats ok

[defenderofwisdom]

Speaking as a left-leaning green voter I'm pleasantly surprised to be proud of Doug Ford at this moment. I believe he will work with experts instead of against them in this situation and work from a place of empathy for Ontarians. I'm worried about this crisis but I'm not worried about my government's ability to respond to a crisis right now either federally or provincially.

[gavinchurch]

Good lord its ford he is large and in charge go Doug I’m with you

[mrnevermind]

Made In Canada for everything after this

[drewmcauley]

I would like to call in to thank the premier for his calm and thoughtful presence. Very inspirational.

[Simmi]

Mr ford you are doing great job.thanks..

[bluesky]

This is the man for the job at the right time and place to lead Ontario during these trying times. Plus love the tee shirt he is wearing LOL :) it is so true what it says.