The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) says a new temporary tool is needed in the fight against COVID-19: Vaccine passports.

With only one month left until schools reopen in Ontario, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is pleased the provincial government’s plan includes mandatory indoor masking for students in grades one through 12 and improving ventilation systems. These measures meet some of RNAO’s long-standing recommendations to Premier Ford, including those in the association’s July 28 open letter. “The measures are essential to minimize the impact of a fourth wave of COVID-19 as Ontario opens school doors to students and staff,” says RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun.

I am absolutely exhausted with this relentless pandemic. You are too. But, as much as we don’t like it, we must confront the fourth wave. Daily case numbers in Ontario are increasing (218 today) with a reproduction value that remains above 1. The fourth wave of the pandemic driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant is here. RNAO has been listening to the experts and warning about this for weeks.

In July, RNAO launched its #FullyVaccinated campaign to encourage Ontarians to get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. RNAO also spoke out about vaccine hesitancy, #MandatoryVaccination for healthcare and education workers, a safe reopening plan for schools as well as nurse understaffing.

I am absolutely exhausted with this relentless pandemic. You are too. But, as much as we don’t like it, we must confront the fourth wave.

I am greatly concerned that once again the Ontario government is slow in acting to prepare schools for a safe and timely reopening in September.

One of the controversial recommendations issued by the ST – not supported by RNAO – is its position on masking, physical distancing and cohorting, which the ST refers to as “temporary measures” to be implemented at the health unit level according to the conditions present. The conditions present refer to the COVID-19 disease burden that in their view must be taken into consideration, such as student age, grade, and vaccination status. Social media posts suggested the ST report called for an end to masks and physical distancing at schools. When reading the report it becomes clear that is a misrepresentation, and the ST position is more nuanced than that. Nonetheless, RNAO strongly disagrees with any discussion of ditching the masks or any nuanced approach at this time.