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Ontario NDP Calling for Free PCR Tests for Children 5 and Under

Monday, 10 January 2022 at 10:45

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.

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