Months late, Ford finally moving on rapid tests

May 7, 2021

QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner released the following statement on rapid tests:

“I welcome today’s news of the rapid testing program, but it’s ridiculous it’s taken this long.

Public health experts and small business owners have been calling for wide-spread use of rapid testing in workplaces for months. It’s a key measure to make our workplaces safer, which is where the majority of COVID spread is happening.

Back in November, Ford called these tests ‘a game-changer.’

But according to Canada Public Health, almost 9 million rapid tests still sit unused in Ontario. It’s inexcusable.

We need targeted efforts to make our workplaces safe. The science is clear: that’s the way we get out of this nightmare.

I’m calling on Ford to immediately implement a comprehensive safe workplaces that includes:

• 10 provincially legislated paid sick days, and paid time off to get vaccinated
• Mandated medical-grade PPE
• Targeted mobile vaccine clinics at all high-risk workplaces
• Accessible and robust rapid testing”

-30-