Leader Andrea Horwath says children under 5 should qualify for free PCR tests, which would make child care safer.
The NDP are calling for free PCR tests for the only group left in Ontario, not eligible to be vaccinated.
Leader Andrea Horwath says children under 5 should qualify for free PCR tests, which would make child care safer.
"Premier Doug Ford’s choice to block access to COVID tests for most Ontarians is wrong, and for parents of little ones who cannot be vaccinated, it’s been especially awful. Families with kids in child care have been left to agonize over each exposure and every tummy ache, or shell out hundreds of dollars to buy a test. Some families have taken their kids right out of day care because they don't feel safe anymore. With free PCR COVID tests, we can make little ones and child care workers safer, and help parents get back to work after false alarms."
Free PCR tests are currently only available for people in high risk settings and people with serious illnesses. According to the new rules, kids 11 and under must stay home for at least five days if they vomit, have a headache, or otherwise feel unwell. The entire household is required to isolate during this time, too.
Horwath says families can buy their way out of quarantine with a negative PCR test, but each test costs about $150.
The NDP is also calling for N95 masks for all child care staff, smaller child care group sizes, faster boosters for child care staff, rapid tests for families and staff; paid sick ad family care days; and for the government to resume tracking and reporting COVID cases in child care.
Interview with the Warden - January 29th, 2026
Trevor Birtch Trial Daily Recap - Case 2
11 People Charged in Massive Drug Bust
Another Cold Warning for Oxford County
Chilly Charlie Returns on Monday
Khanna Shines a Light on Oxford County Superstars
WFD Responds to Structure Fire
WPS Appoints New Deputy Chief
TMMC Woodstock Begins Production of Sixth Gen RAV4
Oxford OPP Briefs - January 28th, 2026
More Weather Alerts for Oxford County
Thrive Oxford Honoured at ROMA
Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP - January 2026
Members Needed for Tillsonburg Housing Advisory Committee
UPDATE: Ottawa Approves Plan to Move Marineland's Whales and Dolphins
Over 200 Collisions Reported in West Region
Another Day of Bus Cancellations in Oxford
UPDATE: Environment Canada Issues Cold Warning
Last Call for Pizza for a Purpose Tickets
News Poll: Super Bowl LX
Comments
Add a comment