THUNDER BAY - The province is investing millions into mental health supports for Ontarians as it prepares to release COVID-19 modeling numbers on Friday that Premier Doug Ford says will be a ‘real wakeup call.’
“People will see some very stark figures tomorrow,” Ford said during his daily media briefing from Queen’s Park on Thursday. “I can’t give you the exact figures. I would rather rely on the medical professionals. They will tell the public exactly what they are telling me. They will be very clear on where we were, where we are, and where we could be.”
The modeling will be based on data collected by the chief medical officer in the province and Ford said releasing the numbers is an effort to be as transparent as possible and make the people of Ontario understand why the government is making certain decisions.
“We have to be transparent no matter how tough the message is going to be tomorrow,” Ford said. “We are going to tell people exactly what we know. You are going to see the exact same figures and modeling we have seen.”
“I want to make sure people understand the situation that we are in.”
Ford said he still cannot comprehend why some people are not practicing social distancing or staying home, referencing full parks and beaches in southern Ontario.
“The vast majority of people are listening,” he said. “You get small groups that just refuse to listen. It’s disappointing to say the least. Tomorrow will be a real wakeup call.”
The provincial government declared a state of emergency last month that has since been extended and it is advising people to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
And while measures are being taken to protect the physical health of Ontarians, on Thursday the province announced new funding to protect the public’s mental health as well.
The government is providing $12 million in emergency funding to expand online and virtual mental health services.
“These are truly extraordinary times,” said Minister of Health Christine Elliott. “When people are experiencing something new to them, they can experience stress and anxiety. When it is on the magnitude of this current outbreak, it can be hard to handle even with the support of family and friends.”
The funding will allow mental health agencies to hire and train additional staff and purchase equipment for the online delivery of services.
“These services are going to help many Ontarians experiencing anxiety, stress, or other mental challenges by providing virtual support,” Elliott said.
Some of the initiatives that will benefit from the funding include BounceBack, Kids Help Phone, and internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for both the public and frontline workers.
Additional mental health workers will also be hired for the Ontario Provincial Police to provide clinical services, deliver supports unique to policing needs, and facilitate educational programs for members and the public.
“We also know that the mental and physical strain that our frontline workers and first responders are facing,” Ford said. “They are working long hours and seeing tragedy every single day and making really tough decisions.”
