First Q at Minister Elliott's presser is about schools. What health data has led to the conclusion to reopen schools? Minister Elliott responds she knows schools are good for students, notes govt has done everything they can to make schools safe, doesn't answer Q. #onpoli #onted
Why not make PCR tests available to students, staff and daycare to increase their level of confidence that schools are safe? Minister Elliott notes PCR tests will be available for symptomatic students & staff. 3.5 million RATs have been received & are off to schools. #Onted
Matt Anderson notes that the demand for PCR tests have dropped since they changed testing requirements, now can redirect PCR tests to schools.
What safety measures have been added to make schools safe next week when they weren't safe last week? Minister Elliott notes that Minister Lecce will expand on this tomorrow. Getting staff boosted was important, as well as supply of RATs, N95s for staff & 3ply student masks.
Why isn't the government going back to reporting cases at schools? Also, why not inventory safety measures by school (ie. air purifiers)? Minister Elliott has every school has been inspected for ventilation???
.@CityCynthia quotes that "schools will not be notifying if there are cases in class". Is the strategy "let her rip and you're on your own?" Minister Elliott notes that Lecce will provide more detail tomorrow. Anderson confirms reporting will occur via PCR tests, sorting details.
.@CityCynthia asks if province has done modelling on hospitalizations once schools open. Anderson says schools reopening don't increase cases or hospitalizations numbers. Can increase community spread?
Is there any hope that we are seeing the crest of the Omicron wave soon? Minister Elliott notes Omicron should peak in the 3rd or 4th week in January, with ICUs peaking in 1st 2 weeks of February.
@CityCynthia Matt Anderson updates that testing via the take home PCR kits can be traced back to the school. These could be reported on. Notes that Lecce will expand on this tomorrow.
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