Three-step roadmap to safely reopen the province
I hope everyone has been keeping safe. Summer is here and I am happy to say that Ontario has administered COVID-19 vaccines at a record pace.
Please note that the information below might have changed. Feel free to reach me by email at vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org or by phone at 416-283-8448 for the most up-to-date information.
Roadmap for Reopening
The province of Ontario will be reopening in three steps to ease public health measures. Based on the current trends in key health indicators, the province is expected to enter Step 1 of the roadmap the week of June 14.
This first step will focus on resuming outdoor activities with smaller crowds and permitting retail with restrictions. This includes allowing outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, outdoor dining with up to four people per table and non-essential retail at 15 per cent capacity.
The province will remain in each step for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. If at the end of the 21 days the vaccination thresholds have been met and public health and health system indicators remain positive, the province will move to the next step.
Learn more at: news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000161/ontario-releases-three-step-roadmap-to-safely-reopen-the-province
Ontario adding 2,000 nurses
We are investing $35 million to increase enrolment in nursing education programs across the province. The additional spaces for Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 semesters have the potential to introduce over 1,130 new registered practical nurses and over 870 BScN nursing graduates (registered nurses) into the health-care system.
We are taking a significant step towards keeping pace with the rising demand for frontline health-care workers during the pandemic and beyond, especially in sectors where health-care workers care for Ontario’s most vulnerable patients.
Learn more at: news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000132/ontario-adding-2000-nurses-to-the-health-care-system
June is Seniors Month
This year’s theme is Stay safe, active and connected. It’s a time when we recognize our amazing older adults and the contributions they‘ve made in communities across Ontario. We’re focusing on programs and services that enable seniors to remain safe, healthy, engaged and live life to the fullest during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond.
Our government continues to support Ontario’s seniors by ensuring they have access to the quality dental care and affordable prescription medications they need.
We are updating eligibility thresholds for both the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan and the Seniors Copayment Program for single Ontarians aged 65 and over, from $19,300 to $22,200, and for couples with a combined annual income, from $32,300 to $37,100.
Eligible seniors are encouraged to apply for the Seniors Co-payment Program as soon as possible to minimize the chance of out-of-pocket costs. Eligible seniors are encouraged to apply for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Plan starting July 1.
By ensuring seniors can continue to afford the medications they are prescribed and access effective dental care, we are helping to improve seniors’ quality of life and reduce unnecessary trips to the hospital.
For more information: ontario.ca/page/dental-care-low-income-seniors
Book Your Vaccination
Our government has a provincial booking system and customer service desk to support COVID-19 vaccination appointment bookings at mass immunization clinics. Make an appointment at ontario.ca/bookvaccine. Individuals who require assistance with booking can call 1-888-999-6488. Registration is open to 12+.
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to my email at vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org or call 416-283-8448.