In this edition:

Ontario increases access to antivirals, PCR testing in response to sixth COVID wave
Ontario expanding degree options at publicly assisted colleges

Ontario increases access to antivirals, PCR testing in response to sixth COVID wave

Effective immediately, the following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:

• Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);
• Individuals aged 70 and over;
• Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and
• Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)

Anyone who is eligible for an assessment is now also eligible for a PCR test at any testing centre in Ontario.

Individuals can access Ontario’s antiviral screener tool to help determine if they are at higher risk and should be assessed for treatment.

Chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore says COVID-19 trends are rising and it’s clear Ontario is in a sixth wave driven by the BA.2 variant, and he says that will likely continue for several more weeks.

Moore says he will not be bringing back mandatory masking right now, though Ontarians should be prepared for that to return if a new variant of concern emerges, if the health-care system is threatened due to rising cases, and potentially during the winter months.

Moore says he strongly recommends people continue to wear masks in indoor public spaces.

Ontario expanding degree options at publicly assisted colleges

Beginning today, Ontario’s public colleges will be able to develop new three-year degree programs and additional four-year degree programs in key sectors to address gaps in the province’s labour needs.

Three-year applied degrees will provide an opportunity for colleges to develop programs to address workforce shortages, such as highly skilled technology workers in the health care, digital, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and process automation sectors. To support the growth and transformation of Ontario’s auto sector, the government will also be looking for programs that help to prepare the talent needed to build electric, autonomous and connected vehicles, as well as programs to support the development of workers who will help build the province’s infrastructure, roads and transit.

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Ontario’s 2022 Budget must Focus on Business Predictability and Growth

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Ontario’s economic outlook remains uncertain for businesses and households as labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and inflation continue to hit home. Ontario’s business community needs a clear and predictable path forward to support economic rebound and growth. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) 2022 Ontario budget submission provides key recommendations to the Government of Ontario to ensure a strong and sustainable recovery.

“The pandemic has made it clear that we cannot have a strong business community without a resilient health care system. Budget 2022 needs to focus on immediate measures that support business predictability and competitiveness while building health care capacity to withstand current and future challenges,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

OCC’s 2022 provincial budget submission provides recommendations to the Government of Ontario under the following categories: Economic Recovery; Resilient Communities; and Modernizing Regulation and Fiscal Policy.

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Update on Ukraine