Through the past year, I& #39;ve been struck by how many doctors have linked poverty and treatment of workers with vulnerability to COVID -- and overall health.

So when @richardzussman asked Dr. Henry whether she wants #bcpoli to resource paid sick leave, the response was jarring. 1/

I can& #39;t think of a single doctor or epidemiologist I& #39;ve spoken to who wouldn& #39;t answer with a firm "yes, absolutely."
But Dr. Henry gave a vague, political answer about workplace safety plans & focussing vaccines at outbreaks.
Remember, we& #39;re told PHO is an independent office. 2/

Instead, DBH sent a ? addressed to her about a very impt policy position to the health min, who gave a weak answer about supporting workers to get vaccinated and that the govt is "working hard" on the issue.
This story remains accurate. Note the date: 3/ https://bc.ctvnews.ca/gaps-and-holes-in-federal-sick-pay-program-will-be-filled-provincially-b-c-premier-says-1.5215531">https://bc.ctvnews.ca/gaps-and-...

Paid sick leave to curb infectn isn& #39;t controversial
BC doc @Melissa_Lem: https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-doctors-reflect-on-the-first-year-of-the-pandemic-and-express-cautious-hope-about-the-road-ahead-1.5287136
ON">https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-docto... doc @sdbaral https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2020/11/09/why-are-albertans-working-while-sick-and-is-enforcement-the-answer/
Was">https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2020/11/0... it even in the prov budget? Nope https://thetyee.ca/News/2021/04/22/BC-Budget-No-Paid-Sick-Leave-Missing-Opportunity/
This,">https://thetyee.ca/News/2021... despite known fallout of people feeling pressured 4/ https://bit.ly/3eNH4kH ">https://bit.ly/3eNH4kH&q...

"How unexpected that an NDP government isn& #39;t using this as an opportunity to quickly implement a paid sick leave program?"
Yes, and how unexpected the province& #39;s top doctor didn& #39;t firmly advocate for a policy to help keep sick people at home without fear of not making rent. 4/

"Penny, aren& #39;t you on a day off? Why are you tweeting about #bcpoli and COVID when your to-do list is longer than your arm?" 5/5