Science table modelling shows Ford must do more to protect kids: Horwath

QUEEN’S PARK – Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement in response to new modelling projections from the Ontario Science Table:

“New modelling from the Ontario Science table shows the COVID situation is fragile and the danger to children is real. With cold weather around the corner, now is not the time to let our guard down.

Ontario should be doing everything in its power to stop the spread of COVID-19 among school-aged children, particularly those too young to be vaccinated. We know what will help: smaller class sizes, mandatory vaccination for education workers, rapid testing and adding the COVID vaccine to the list of required immunizations for eligible students. We also need a provincial plan in place to vaccinate five to 11 year-olds the minute that Health Canada approval comes.

Unfortunately, Doug Ford has refused to spend the necessary money to protect our kids. Instead of pinching pennies, the Ford government must invest immediately in our children’s health.

I’m so thankful that Ontarians are doing their part. In addition to better protection for children and teens, the province can better support people’s COVID-prevention efforts by fixing the gaps in the vaccine certificate program, and providing resources to the small businesses and municipalities who are doing the heavy lifting on that program.”