Trying to defeat COVID-19
Premier Doug Ford and Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government have confirmed a $20 million investment towards advanced medical research and development of tools and resources to try to combat COVID-19 — and other infectious diseases — throughout the province.
In a nutshell, the Ford government is calling on Ontario’s research institutions, post-secondary schools and non-profit scientific partners to take action in the development of solutions to track and try to defeat COVID-19.
A joint announcement on the matter was made by Ford and Ross Romano, the Sault’s member of provincial parliament who doubles as minister of colleges and universities.
“We have some of the best and brightest minds anywhere in the world right here in Ontario,” Ford began.
“Whether it’s developing a vaccine, using 3-D printers to make personal protective equipment or designing better portable ventilators, our brilliant researchers are leading the charge in the fight against COVID-19 and giving our front-line health care workers the tools and resources they need to deliver top-notch care for patients,” Ford added.
According to Ford, Ontario’s post-secondary education sector and research community has already taken on a leadership role to combat COVID-19 while colleges and universities, research hospitals and institutes across the province have stepped up to support their communities by donating life-saving ventilators, personal protective equipment and conducting research on detection and treatment.
To which Romano chimed in, “our province, our country and the entire world face an unprecedented situation, and the innovation and expertise of our research community is needed now more than ever.
“We need to continue mobilizing people and ideas and leveraging our top talent in this global effort to find a solution to this crisis and keep people safe,” Romano added.
PHOTO: Ontario premier Doug Ford, flanked by Sault MPP Ross Romano.
