Ontario health official caught stating "I just say whatever they write down for me"

Dec 16 2020, 4:56 pm

An Ontario health official was caught saying comments on a live microphone before providing updates on the province’s COVID-19 situation earlier this week.

On Monday, during a press conference, Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barbara Yaffe was caught talking to Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Williams before the announcement started, unknown to them that their microphones were on.

In the video that’s been circulating on social media, Yaffe can be heard saying, “I don’t know who gives me all these papers. I never look at them … I just say whatever they write down for me,” she said laughing, as she shuffled her papers on the desk.

While it seems like Williams is laughing and agreeing with her, his responses are mostly inaudible.

In a statement provided to Daily Hive, Yaffe said her comments were overheard on a live microphone before Monday’s 3 pm COVID-19 media update with bantering caught between her and Williams.

“I was referencing the fact that my Communications Team prep me for these updates with researched and vetted remarks. Of course,  I do speak freely and have no notes for responding to questions from the media,” she said.

“I was also reflecting to Dr. Williams on why I carry around extra paperwork.”

Yaffe and Williams provide updates weekly every Monday and Thursday.

Clarrie FeinsteinClarrie Feinstein

+ News
+ Coronavirus
ADVERTISEMENT