The Ontario Liberals have asked Ontario Premier Doug Ford to bring back mask mandates in schools and public transit to address overcrowding in hospitals and pediatric ICUs. .“Once again, this government is slow to act, recognizing there is a problem only once it has become a crisis,” said Ontario Liberal Interim Leader John Fraser in a Monday press release. .“A week ago, this government was advocating for children to be in class, but now they won’t advocate for our children to be safe in those classrooms.”.The release said the Liberals want Ford to alleviate the strain on the province’s healthcare system by: .Introducing a robust public health campaign promoting vaccination and updating the public on the state of the healthcare system;Providing 10 paid sick days for all Ontarians;Increasing resources for primary care, community agencies, and long-term care facilities;Prioritizing the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers by repealing Bill 124 and expanding mental health supports..“We are not going to wish our way out of this crisis,” said Ontario Liberal MPP Adil Shamji. .“The health of our children is in peril and the time for decisive action is now, before it is too late.”.Fraser called the Ontario government’s indifference to children being hospitalized with respiratory diseases “inexplicable.” .“We need to take action now, not three weeks from now,” he said. .Ontario Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore said on Monday people should return to masking, but he did not go as far as mandating it for the province..READ MORE: Ontario's top doctor recommends masking amid "triple threat' of COVID, flu and RSV."What we are facing is a triple threat that requires our collective action and action to protect the most vulnerable in our communities," said Moore. .He said Ontario's healthcare system is facing strain from COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. He is recommending Ontarians wear masks to protect young, old, and immunocompromised people.
