Instead of focusing on increasing testing capacity and mandating paid sick and family care leave for parents to allow them to be home with their sick children, our province has decided to allow sick children into schools, as long as a parent claims that symptoms are “improving”.

This is incredibly dangerous and irresponsible, especially in light of the fact that Ottawa public health recently reported that 17% of their positive cases in school-aged children listed “runny nose” as their ONLY symptom.  https://www.thewhig.com/news/local-news/a-runny-nose-is-still-a-real-symptom-of-covid-19-moore-says

As a parent, I am devastated by this news. My child is enrolled in face to face school because I TRUSTED this government to protect her.

I trusted this government to protect her and also to protect me by extension, as a high risk individual with pre-existing conditions who is at higher risk of hospitalization, serious long-term complications, and DEATH from COVID-19.

Despite her amazing educators’ best attempts at keeping the children distanced and safe with strict hygiene and disinfection protocols, some children in my daughter’s class have fallen ill with various symptoms.

Thankfully, they have been immediately isolated and removed from the classroom until they test negative. I feel for their parents as they have to wait for results in a backlogged system and sometimes have to give up days of pay. This situation is unfair to working families.

Please know that the previous policy of exclusion from school and returning only after a negative test is the one thing that has helped me and many other parents to feel safe enough to send our kids into school.

Premier Ford and Minister Lecce, you’ve ripped away my safety net and I’m absolutely livid. I’m scared to send my child to school tomorrow. I’m scared to kiss and hug my own child. You’ve stolen my peace of mind and you’ve stolen my faith in this government to keep us safe.

Shame on you, Premier, for once again prioritizing money over people. Shame on you for doing what is easy over doing what is right. 

The blood of Ontarians will be on your hands as this second wave turns into a Tsunami as a result of your actions today.  #OntEd