Ford says he supports frequent COVID-19 tests for health-care workers who don't get vaccinated
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Monday that he supports compulsory COVID-19 testing for health-care workers who refuse to get vaccinated, though he stopped short of saying the province would implement such a measure.
“I do,” Ford said when asked by reporters if he supports the move. “And I have a great deal of respect for Kevin Smith – he’s the CEO of UHN (University Health Network)… he's doing the right thing.”
Toronto’s University Health Network confirmed last week that it will soon require staff who have not been vaccinated to present a negative COVID-19 test from within 48 hours before reporting for work.
While Ford said Monday that he supports hospitals requiring negative COVID-19 tests for unvaccinated workers, he said the province will not dictate to hospitals whether they should implement the policy.
Ford also reiterated Monday that he will not force health-care workers to get vaccinated, despite calls from some medical experts to do so.
“I just don't believe in forcing anyone to get a vaccination that doesn't want it,” Ford said following a funding announcement outside The Ottawa Hospital. “I'm up here, literally preaching begging, pleading, every single day since the beginning of this pandemic, especially since we we've had these vaccinations. So folks, if you're in the health-care industry, please just go and get a vaccination.”
Ford said vaccination is the tool allowing the province to reopen safely and urged anyone who has hesitations about getting a COVID-19 shot to speak with a doctor or pharmacist.
“You might be hesitant. Think of your loved ones. Think of your children, think of your parents, think of your friends, your co workers. It's absolutely critical,” Ford said.
The premier pointed out that around 90 per cent of health care workers have been vaccinated and said he is “excited” that Ontario is close to crossing the threshold of 80 per cent of the population having received a first dose.
As of Monday, 79.7 per cent of those 12 and over in Ontario have had at least one vaccine shot, while 66.15 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore has said the province should aim for around 90 per cent of the population to be fully vaccinated in order to get community-level protection against the more infectious Delta variant, first detected in India.
The pace of vaccinations has slowed, however, as a greater share of the population have received their shots.
Yesterday Ontario gave out 65,920 COVID-19 vaccine doses, the lowest number of shots given in a day since May 3, when the province gave out 53,880 jabs.
70% OF TORONTO RESIDENTS NOW VACCINATED
Meanwhile officials in Toronto said Monday that 70 per cent of residents are now fully vaccinated against the virus, while more than 80 per cent of city residents have had at least one dose of a vaccine.
The city’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa hailed the milestone in a tweet.
“I couldn't be prouder of today's milestone & our rapid #vaccination progress, thanks to everyone who continues to step up and roll up their sleeve to protect themselves, those they love, & our city. Thank you for taking care of each other,” de Villa said.
Toronto public health has launched a push to try and reach even more people through call centres and social media campaigns, targeting areas with low vaccine uptake.
The city has also opened all nine of its mass vaccination clinics to walk-in appointments from noon to 7 p.m. each day.
A vaccination popup clinic at Mel Lastman Square over the weekend managed to give out 3,106 vaccine doses, including 674 first doses.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.