Ontario Hospital Association calls for new, stricter lockdowns in some areas

Ontario’s hospitals are calling for new and stricter lockdowns in hard-hit regions to halt the rapid spread of COVID-19.

The Ontario Hospital Association’s board of directors is making the request to the province after holding an emergency meeting to discuss hospital capacity issues amid surging infections.

“Hospitalization is increasing rapidly, as is the occupancy of intensive care units. A growing number of hospitals are grappling with outbreaks, and many have already had to cancel scheduled surgeries and other activity,” said the OHA in a news release.

“Ontario’s health care professionals are being asked to carry a very heavy burden. The average length of stay of COVID-19 patients has decreased, but hospitals are seeing more of them, which is accelerating demands on health care workers.”

It is asking the government to implement a four-week lockdown in every public health unit with an infection rate of 40/100,000 population or higher.

It says the move is necessary to protect people and ensure that hospitals do not face a surge in COVID-19 patients in January.

1/2 With Ontario firmly caught in the grasp of the 2nd wave, hospitalizations & ICU occupancy rising fast, the OHA is calling for Ontarians to remain steadfast against the pandemic & recommending further decisive action by the government. #onhealth #onpoli

— Ont. Hospital Assoc. (@OntHospitalAssn) December 17, 2020

The association says the province’s lockdown restrictions should also be “rapidly” reassessed by independent experts to determine if additional measures are required.

It says the government should also offer paid sick leave and isolation accommodation to help those who cannot afford to take time off work if they contract the virus.