Frontline workers are asking the Ford government to vote in favour of Bill 8, which aims to provide 10 paid sick days and 14 additional days to frontline workers during public health emergencies. Ontario’s current paid sick leave program, introduced in late April, requires employers to provide employees with up to $200 of pay for up to three days if they have to miss work because of COVID-19. This program is set to expire on Dec. 31.
As some areas within Southwestern Ontario Public Health’s jurisdiction have some of the highest COVID-19 case counts per population in Ontario, as well as some of the lowest rates of vaccination; Restrictions are expected to be finalized in the following days for Elgin, Oxford, and St. Thomas. The announcement was made by SWPH medical officer of health Dr. Joyce Lock, who said "high numbers mean illness for individuals as well as disruptions to our businesses, education and service delivery."
Ontario’s health minister says people with COVID-19 symptoms can be safely tested for the virus in pharmacies. Christine Elliott says infection and control measures will be followed. She also says there will be a list of participating pharmacies and signage posted outside so people know before entering the facility. This is great news for parts of rural and northern Ontario, where there's a need for testing options.
Ontario is investing $12.4 million into mental health and addictions support for frontline healthcare workers over a period of two years. The funding will help expand and create new treatment options for those battling the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The province will be collaborating with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division, and Ontario Psychological Association to provide these new services.
Following the launch of the first London Innovation Challenge, TechAlliance, alongside an adjudication panel of London industry leaders, selected our Caring Support platform, alongside companies Locorum and Zersent, as the winners. TechAlliance made the announcement this Wednesday, November 10th.
According to the latest research on long-term care residents funded by the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force (CITF), COVID-19 antibodies wane much faster than expected among seniors and those with comorbidities. The findings, they say, reinforce policy decisions and recommendations around providing booster shots to vulnerable populations.
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