In case you missed it, WeRPN has opened registratation for our first virtual AGM taking place on October 29th, from 6:00PM-9:30PM. We hope you will join us for this invigorating interactive virtual experience that will combine keynote speakers, organizational updates and an opportunity to celebrate excellence in nursing.Learn more.
Eligible members (RPN-members) are also encouraged to take part in our online voting for the AGM to have their voices heard on association matters, including our Board election. Click here to cast you vote until October 26th.
Key Provincial Updates and Resources for Health Professionals Today, the governmentextended most orders in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act until at least November 21, 2020.
The Premier and Minister
of Education also announced an investment of $550 million to build 20 new schools and eight permanent school additions across the province in 2020-21. As a result of this investment, 16,000 new student learning spaces and 870
licensed child care spaces will be created.
This plan includes more than 30 projects that aim to improve the way Ontario residents and businesses interact with government, for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The main focus areas include:
Making government services more digitally accessible, such as providing digital health solutions to frontline care personnel, so that a patient’s health records can be rapidly and securely accessed.
Reducing red tape and simplifying policies while
protecting public health and safety, such as reducing barriers to development and construction approval through a digital application process.
Improving government purchasing by taking advantage of the capabilities of local Ontario businesses to transform how the government purchases goods and services.
Creating more responsible and flexible public services through re-designing core internal processes or permit applications, so citizens can get what they need faster.
Last week, the Chief Medical Officer of Health issued an updated version of Directive #3 that applies to Long-term Care Homes and to retirement homes. This directive says that all short term and
temporary absences for social or personal reasons need to be requested. Non-medical absences from long-term care homes in areas of the province where there is higher community spread of COVID-19 are not permitted.
Last Friday, the Premier announced the government would be moving York region into a modified Stage 2 as a result of trends indicating higher than average rates of COVID-19 transmission in the region , alongside Toronto, Peel and Ottawa.
On Friday, Federal Minister met with indigenous leaders and health professionals to
discuss racism in healthcare. Read their statement here.
Canada's Chief Public Health Officerreleased an update on COVID-19 today.
For more information, we encourage you to visit the Government of Canada website.
Daily Reports
As of 10:30AM today, Ontario reported 65,896 confirmed cases (increase of 821), 56,606 resolved cases, 3,053 deaths and 24,129 currently under investigation with lab results pending.
The Ministry is also reporting that 253 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19, 62 are in ICU and 31 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
