Today, we were pleased to see the College of
Nurses of Ontario approve a motion to bring forward a new regulation to the Minister of Health to expand RPN scope of practice. WeRPN had advocated for modest changes to scope of practice for several years to better align with RPN education and knowledge and enable better access to care for Ontarians. These are procedures many RPNs do regularly but the change would allow RPNs to initiative such procedures without an order. Read our statement.
Key Provincial Updates and Resources for Health Professionals Today, the government announced it has amended order O. Reg 364/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 3 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 toset a new limit reducing the number of people permitted to attend unmonitored social gatherings and organized public events in three regions experiencing higher rates of transmission of COVID-19 (Toronto, Peel and Ottawa). This includes functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. Now, the number of people attending such gatherings will be limited to
10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or
25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).
The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed
businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres or banquet halls, gyms, and recreational sporting or performing art events. Existing rules, including public health and workplace safety measures, for these businesses and facilities continue to be in effect. To support better compliance with public health guidelines, both within these three regions and across Ontario, amendments to the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to
COVID-19) Act would, if passed, create:
A new offence regarding hosting or organizing a gathering in residential premises or other prescribed premises that exceeds limits under an order
A minimum
fine of $10,000 for organizers of these gatherings
Authority for the Lieutenant Governor in Council to prescribe additional types of premises for the purpose of the new offence.
Authority for a police officer, special constable or First Nations constable to order the temporary closure of a premise where there are reasonable grounds to believe that any gathering exceeding the number of people
allowed is taking place and require individuals to leave the premises.
Today, the government alsointroduced the Helping Tenants and Small Businesses Act that would, if passed, freeze rent in 2021 for most rent-controlled and non-rent-controlled residential units and extend the temporary ban on evictions for commercial tenants.
Yesterday, Premier Doug Ford announced
the launch of a screening tool to support parents, students, and educators with conducting daily mandatory screening for COVID-19 symptoms, which is required prior to
attending school. Use of this free tool will be voluntary and will help users determine whether they or their child should attend school each day. The tool will also guide at-risk individuals to the proper resources.
During the press conference, in response to questions about long lines at COVID-19 assessment centres, Premier Ford reassured Ontarians that the government is working with the private sector to increase the province’s capacity for conducting and processing tests.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Trudeau provided more details on the Safe Restart Agreement, the federal investment of more than $19 billion to help provinces and territories safely restart their economies and make our country more resilient to possible future surges in cases of COVID-19.
Ontario's response outlining how it will prioritize this
funding can be found here.
For more information, we encourage you to visit the Government of Canada website.
Daily Reports
As of 10:30AM today, Ontario reported 45,676 confirmed cases (increase of 293), 40,424 resolved cases, 2,825 deaths and 37,624 currently under investigation with lab results pending.
The Ministry is also reporting that 53 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19, 21 are in ICU and 12 are vented. To view these additional details: click here
Click Hereto read the latest Ministry of Health Daily Report **Please note, these reports are intended for
health professionals only and we request that you not share this with the public.
World Health Organization Situation Reports are also available here
In the News For an interactive map tracking all cases across Canada and internationally, click here
Below are some key stories from today that may be of interest to our members:
We encourage RPNs looking for employment opportunities to sign up on all the platforms noted above.
We will continue to monitor this situation and keep you updated as more information becomes available. Thank you for the important work that you're doing and the sacrifices you're making to keep Ontarians safe. We appreciate everything that you're doing each and every day.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tiff Blair at tblair@werpn.com
Sincerely,
WeRPN Team
WeRPN 5025 Orbitor Drive Building 5, Suite 200 Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Y5
