Days after saying the novel coronavirus was spreading in long term care homes like "wildfire," Premier Doug Ford is asking for help from the Canadian Armed Forces.
At his daily media briefing on Wednesday, Ford asked for military assistance at five long term care homes in the province.
The armed forces will provide support to homes where the staff is running short due to the spread of COVID-19.
"They will assist with operations, coordination or medical care, logistics and general assistance to support the day-to-day operations," said Ford.
Minister of Long-Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton would not indicate which five long-term care homes would be receiving support from the Canadian Armed Forces.
The province is also increasing the testing of both symptomatic and asymptomatic staff and residents at long-term care homes to help reduce the spread of the virus. It has also set up long-term care COVID-19 response teams to help put in place infection control protocols, resolve staff issues, and fulfill personal protective equipment needs.
"We must continue to act swiftly and decisively to keep our loved ones in long-term care safe, as well as their caregivers," said Dr. Fullerton. "Our long-term care homes continue to be the front-lines of this pandemic and we must continue to work around the clock to assist all our dedicated staff during this crisis."
The formal request to bring in the army was made Wednesday afternoon.