Health Minister Dorothy Shephard speaks during Question Period on December 14, 2021. Image: Screen capture.
The Liberal opposition asked for clarification between the Higgs government’s Winter Action Plan against COVID-19 and new restrictions revealed on Monday because of surging case numbers.
In Question Period on Tuesday, Health Minister Dorothy Shephard responded to interim Liberal leader Roger Melanson’s question, saying she understands this situation is difficult.
“We may very well move to phase 2, but right now we need to just put in place ways that we can slow the spread and hope that we can see Christmas. And maybe we can’t. We don’t know what’s going to happen over these next few days, they are very crucial,” Shephard said.
Melanson mentioned the impact of restrictions impacting kids under 12 and the ability to play sports.
Shephard said they realize the hardship this creates for students, but a large amount of transmission is happening in this age group.
Melanson asked how much time Public Health will need to analyze the new Omicron variant and understand its consequences.
The health minister said she would love to be able to make predictions.
“We do not have predictability with COVID any longer and right now we need to be very, very vigilant. We are seeing in Ontario the Omicron cases are doubling every two days and if that happens to us, Mr. Speaker, we are going to be in a pickle,” Shephard said.
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