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Premier Doug Ford is about to make an announcement on testing in Ontario. Today is the 7th day in a row the province has failed to meet it's 16,000 tests/day goal. Yesterday, 11,383 tests were done. I'll be tweeting from this thread. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-premier-announcement-queen-s-park-covid-19-cases-may-24-1.5582369
This isn't the premier's typical daily COVID-19 update - there aren't any this weekend. He won't be taking questions, just making a statement.
Ford calls the virus a ruthless, deadly killer. "We can't give it an inch. And until a vaccine is found our best defence is to detect it, isolate it and slow the spread."
Ford comments on the large crowds at Trinity Bellwoods yesterday, saying he thought it was a rock concert at first, and he was shocked. "We just can't have that right now. It's just too many people, too close." https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/bylaw-officers-downtown-party-trinity-bellwoods-1.5582399
Ford moves onto testing. Saying next week the province will be releasing a "detailed testing strategy" targeting hot spots and certain sectors.
Ford says testing is the best defence and it needs to be ramped up. He's asking the public for help and is begging anyone who thinks they may have the virus - symptoms or not - to get a test.
"If you feel you need a test, you will be able to get a test," Ford says.
There are 129 assessment centres in Ontario. Ford says they are ready to test and that no one will be turned away.
Testing is something Ford premier has expressed frustration about throughout the pandemic. He's continuously promised to improve the system.
His message today was clear: get tested if you have symptoms, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or are simply worried you have it and aren't showing symptoms. Some more context on messaging: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-covid19-pandemic-testing-1.5581088
