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WATCH: In preparation for second COVID-19 wave, province invests in flu immunization program

Ford has been facing pressure to release the plan

Update:

Premier Ford has announced some details of the provincial government's plan to prep Ontarians for a second wave of COVID-19.

In a press release issued today, the government said it will be implementing the largest flu immunization campaign in the province's history.

The plan, entitled Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19, consists of the following measures:

  • Maintain strong public health measures, including continued expansion of testing and case and contact management;
  • Quickly identify, manage and prevent COVID-19 outbreaks;
  • Accelerate efforts to reduce health service backlogs;
  • Prepare for surges in COVID-19 cases;
  • Recruit, retain, train and support health care workers, while also continuing to engage families and caregivers; and
  • Implement the largest flu immunization campaign in Ontario's history.

The province says its investment of $70M to purchase flu vaccines will help ease the burden that a second wave of COVID-19 would have on Ontario's population and healthcare system.

The province says more details will be released over the coming days.

Original story:

Premier Doug Ford is slated to make a COVID-19 announcement at 1 p.m. at Queen's Park today.

Ford is expected to announce the province's COVID-19 fall preparedness plan, which will help Ontario grapple with a possible second wave of the virus as cases continue to rise.

The premier will be joined by Minister of Health Christine Elliott to make the announcement.

Village Media will carry the livestream, so stay tuned.