A provincial decision to not mandate COVID vaccines for health care workers is being slammed by the official opposition.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says unvaccinated staff should not be allowed in the ICU, in pediatric wards with sick babies, in the homes of vulnerable home care patients, or anywhere at all in health care, or in schools.
She accuses Premier Doug Ford of catering to anti-vaxxers at the risk of our vulnerable loved ones.
Horwath says the risk of COVID outbreaks causing staff shortages is far worse than the planned shortages caused by removing the few remaining unvaccinated workers.
She adds there’s a threat of some workers leaving their jobs if they feel unsafe around those not vaccinated.
Premier Ford worries mandatory vaccines will lead to “tens of thousands” of workers leaving.
The medical community is also voicing a united voice against the decision.
The Canadian Medical Association President Dr. Katherine Smart says failing to adopt every health measure necessary during the pandemic will result in current staffing shortages worsening.
The Ontario Hospital Association says a provincial approach to vaccination is vital to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and protect hospital staff and patients.
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario calls the decision a disgrace and a lack of courage to protect patients and workers.
The R-N-A-O adds Bill 124, provincial labour legislation, has more to do with nurses leaving than a mandatory vaccination program.
