The Ontario College of Family Physicians welcomes today’s announcement by the Government of Ontario to further tighten public health measures in the face of the current pandemic. Ongoing attention will be needed across Ontario, especially in areas of high COVID-19 prevalence. More investment in prevention, testing, contact tracing and supports must also be part of the solution. The need for bold action was reinforced by our colleagues at the Ontario Hospital Association, Ontario Medical Association, and others.
Family physicians have always and will continue to step up and care for our patients, whether managing chronic illnesses or addressing the growing burden of mental health and addictions that have increased exponentially since the spring. We recognize the economic burden that further restrictions have on individuals and businesses. Government supports at all levels will be needed to help, yet right now it is imperative to flatten the curve to protect the health of Ontarians.
During this pandemic, family physicians are caring for patients across the health system; in the community and homes, long-term care facilities, at COVID assessment centres as well as working in hospitals and emergency departments. Family physicians are also managing the care of patients who have had COVID-19 and continue to struggle with post-COVID symptoms, including after discharge from hospital.
Hospitals, home care, long-term care, and primary care are interconnected. When parts of this system are stretched beyond capacity, the other parts inevitably follow. Only by working together, and intensifying our collective public health efforts, can we slow the spread of COVID-19.