Ford to make an announcement as Ontario gradually reopens economy

Premier Doug Ford is set to make an announcement on Wednesday afternoon, as Ontario gradually reopens the economy.

Ford will be joined by Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, and Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities, to make the announcement.

Long-term care has been one of the hardest hit sectors of the province with COVID-19 deaths the highest in congregate settings and those 80 years and older.

To date there have been over 21,000 COVID-19 cases in long-term care homes with 3,747 deaths.

There is currently an independent commission being conducted to investigate the treatment of residents in long-term care during the pandemic.

The press briefing will take place at 1 pm from Queen’s Park, which will follow a conference by General Rick Hillier, head of the province’s COVID-19 distribution task force at 10 am.