While announcing the completion of a new long-term care facility on Ajax, Ont., Premier Doug Ford answered questions regarding science table modelling released earlier today.
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and ICU admissions will likely increase following this week's reopening, Ontario's expert science advisers said today in new modelling that shows "prolonged" pressure on the health system.
When asked if future lockdowns will be considered, the premier cited recent provincial investments and new hires aimed at easing pressure on the healthcare sector.
"We're ready to move forward, but we have to be cautious," Ford said. "We can't just open everything up tomorrow."
Lockdowns are not the goal, he explained, but he didn't discount the idea.
He called on the federal government to step up with increased and ongoing funding for healthcare in the province through Canadian Health Transfers.
"We're getting 22 per cent out of 100 per cent that we're investing. There's no province, no territory that can sustain the funding," Ford said.
"While we know that the coming weeks will continue to be difficult for our hospital partners, hospitalizations are currently stable and given current trends, we are confident in our ability to ensure capacity so that patients can access the care they need," said Alexandra Hilkene, press secretary to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, in a statement.
"As Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has said, we need to learn to live with COVID-19. Thanks to our high vaccination rates as well as the arrival of antivirals, Ontario has the tools necessary to manage the impact of this virus."
– with files from Canadian Press
