• Directive #2 continues to be in effect.  The ministry continues to work on drafting amendments to Directive #2 to support future resumption of services, pending continued improvements in key public health indicators.

Our College has indicated that until Directive #2 is amended or revoked we should consider the last announcement by the Premier on Thursday as no change in what we are doing.

Obviously disappointing interpretation by COCOO. 

We/OPMA have been in constant contact with the office of the Chief Medical Officer and Ontario Health Command Table. Doing everything we can to convince them of the harm that will occur by neglecting our high risk diabetic patients and the elderly. We've heard that the Ministry is unlikely to release the Health Professions to get back to full scope working one by one and they will favour a blanket one-size fits all approach. I/we strongly disagree with that approach and will continue to advocate for our patients.

I have had some correspondence with my local PC MPP and I have heard from several members that they would like talking points in order to plead our case with them. In fact, COCOO Registrar sent me a note last Thursday asking if OPMA would be "lobbying" MPPs.  It may be counterproductive to criticize COCOO but I wonder why COCOO is not "lobbying" the Chief Medical Officer and Ministry on behalf of the public which they claim to protect.

Talking points/letter to MPPs

ALL of our services should be considered essential and can be provided safely while following all recommended protocols re COVID

-elderly, diabetics and other vulnerable patients that should stay away from hospitals, walk-in clinics and primary care physicians because of the risk of COVID exposure in those locations. Our podiatry services are essential and have reduced the burden on the hospital-based system and primary care doctors for years.

-there will be a tsunami of wounds, infections, amputation and other bad outcomes as our essential services continue to be restricted

-someone will have to be held responsible for those bad outcomes. We will point out to whomever will listen that Government had a chance to act and didn't, just like the long term care home debacle.

I will have Don draft some sort of fill-in-the-blanks letter if you like