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Sault Ste. Marie news: Protestors worried about the privatization of health care in Ontario

Protests were held across the province Tuesday opposing what critics described as plans to privatize health care in Ontario. Held by the Ontario Health Coalition, organizers said the Ford government’s Bill 60 would bring back a two-tier health care system. Representatives took aim at the bill, which is expected to pass this week. “That bill is allowing a lot of hospital procedures, diagnostics, and surgeries to be moved out of public hospitals, and into what are being called independent health facilities,” said Marie DellaVedova of the Coalition. “They are, in fact, private hospitals and clinics.” “We have experience with private…
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BC ends mask mandate in health-care facilities and proof of vaccination for long-term care visitors

British Columbia is ending its universal mask mandate in health-care settings, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced Thursday. Masks will still be required in certain higher-risk areas and for patients with COVID-19 symptoms who are seeking health care, Henry said from Victoria. The vaccine mandate for health-care workers remains in effect. “We’re at a point now where we can change some of the restrictions in health-care settings,” said Henry from Victoria. “Masking remains a very important tool in the health-care setting, and health-care workers will still wear masks based on their risk assessments. Visitors to long-term care and assisted…