Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, provided an overview of the current status of COVID-19 in Peel, noting that transmission rates remain at high levels throughout all three local municipalities. He stated that over 50 per cent of the Region’s Long Term Care homes have outbreaks.
Dr. Loh stated that the Region’s hospital situation remains critical and that the William Osler Health Centre (William Osler) numbers have risen in the last 24 hours. William Osler will continue to transfer COVID-19 patients to other hospitals; will be moving to only ambulatory surgeries, allowing surgery beds to be utilized for other purposes; and will continue to provide urgent procedures and cancer procedures requiring a bed. He noted that staffing is the main impediment to opening further capacity.
Dr. Loh stated that Peel Public Health continues to work with community partners and provincial agencies, such as Ontario Health, to address the Region’s high rates of transmission. Discussions are underway with respect to deploying lower barrier testing and the launch of new community approaches to address challenges identified by vulnerable populations. Dr. Loh noted the importance of ongoing advocacy being conducted with community leaders regarding safer workplaces, income supports, eviction protection and paid sick days.
Dr. Loh stated that Peel Public Health will outline its roles and responsibilities with respect to a COVID-19 vaccine strategy as information becomes available from the Ministry of Health, noting that this entails coordination with many partners. The Ministry's strategy is expected to outline matters such as confirmed allocations of the number of doses, schedules of vaccine delivery to Ontario, and roles and responsibilities.
In response to a concern raised by Councillor Crombie regarding the fairness of closing small businesses and allowing big box stores to remain open, Dr. Loh explained that many venues were closed to reduce public interaction, noting that if all stores were to re-open, interactions would increase leading to further COVID-19 transmissions. He also noted that all stores that remain open as essential have COVID-19 protocols in place, and enforcement applies.
In response to a concern raised by Councillor Crombie that ambulance loading bays are being utilized to hold new patients at the Trillium hospital, Dr. Loh confirmed that both William Osler and Trillium Hospitals are over capacity, with some surgeries being cancelled and COVID-19 patients being taken care of in nontraditional spaces. He stated that the loading bays at Trillium are indoors with proper isolation protocols to address the high volume of emergency cases. Peter Dundas, Chief, Peel Regional Paramedics, stated that Paramedics Services is working closely with Michelle Di Emanuele, President and CEO of Trillium Health Partners. He noted that the bays are adjacent to the emergency department and that there can be 30 to 40 patients in emergency waiting for admission. The bays are set up with cleaning and equipment stations for the paramedics but at this time cannot be used for transition.
In response to a question raised by Councillor Damerla regarding modelling data specific to the City of Mississauga, Dr. Loh responded that the data is obtained from the provincial modelling table and that he would inquire to see if this is something that can be provided.
Councillor Ras inquired what is being done to ensure that manufacturing businesses are following proper protocols. Dr. Loh responded that compliance and safety is the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour, though Peel Public Health has been working closely with their provincial counterparts. Public Health will investigate places of work that are having outbreaks and there are webinars and information available for businesses on the Region of Peel website to create a workplace safety plan.
Councillor Fortini inquired if there are any updates for expansion of the Voluntary Isolation Centres for the east end of Brampton. Dr. Loh responded that staff are continuing to assess the voluntary isolation process and continue to work with community groups for expansion options of the program.
In response to a question raised from Councillor Brown on whether the 28 day lockdown will be extended, Dr. Loh responded that the number of COVID-19 cases will be reviewed during the next week, but that it would be premature to speculate at this time.
Councillor Brown inquired if Members of Council could advocate for the Region of Peel and what kind of supports or tools could assist to further the ability to target COVID-19 transmissions. Dr. Loh responded that there are a number of drivers of transmission in our community and that the protection of essential workers is required. He stated that there needs to be increased work place blitzes to focus on the high-risk work places and encouraging all employers to offer sick benefits so that workers will self-isolate if they have been exposed, have symptoms, or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Patrick O’Connor, Regional Solicitor, advised that the Medical Officer Health, in implementing an order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, must exercise his discretion independently and on grounds set out in the Act, regardless of council’s direction, noting that the lockdown order was issued by the provincial government.