Horwath says OHA lockdown proposal needs to be considered

HAMILTON — Official Opposition leader Andrea Horwath says the Ontario Hospital Association’s call for a four-week lockdown needs to be taken seriously, after Doug Ford failed to implement stronger measures in recent weeks and case counts skyrocketed.

“We desperately needed infection control staff in long-term care. And we desperately needed paid sick days to keep exposed workers at home. We needed smaller class sizes and a powerful COVID testing regime in schools. We needed big-box giants not to be packed and holding Black Friday sales. We needed to pay some businesses to close,” said Horwath.

“But Doug Ford chose not to invest in stronger public health measures. And now we’re facing a longer, deeper and darker lockdown as a result.”

Horwath said it’s clear from Ford’s recent photo-ops that he’s avoiding action and banking entirely on the vaccine.

“Ford’s plan to sit back and wait for the vaccine is a terrible idea,” said Horwath. “As a result, we now need health officials to seriously consider the lockdown proposal from the experts. Ford frequently says everything is on the table — and, sadly, now this option must be.”