RNAO continues to be active in the media to keep nurses, other health providers and the public informed of our views and advise during these challenging times. This month, we spoke out on many important issues, including long-term care (LTC), vaccinations, nurse burnout and the measures required to bring an end to the pandemic.

Vaccine passports may become unavoidable as we gradually move out of the pandemic. RNAO supports the use of one if it is designed in the proper way, given the serious concerns about equity, safety and privacy. We started the conversation before and now continue with an article published March 23 by Laurin Weissinger, a lecturer in cybersecurity at Tufts University.

Members of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario commend the government’s May 20 announcement of a phased-in Three-Step Re-opening Roadmap for the province. RNAO says the approach, which calls for a Three-Step plan, each lasting at least 21 days, is simple and reasonable.

As the vaccination rollout advances, the discussion on vaccine passports intensifies. This is a complex issue with no easy answers, and RNAO intends to address it in the months to come from a perspective of equity and health for all. The following is an introductory article by Yara M. Asi, Post-Doctoral Scholar, Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, originally published March 12.

RNAO says the government must ensure all nurses – starting with those working with COVID-19 patients – are immediately vaccinated with both COVID-19 doses. I am pleased to share that our advocacy on behalf of nurses and other healthcare providers – especially those working on critical areas and in home care – brought results with the government’s announcement this week.

Join us and dozens of MPs from across party lines! Call on Prime Minister Trudeau to stay true to his word and ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are made available to all people around the world.

As we battle a relentless and stubborn third wave of COVID-19 driven by dangerous variants, RNAO continues to speak out on the pandemic and its impact on nurses, other health-care workers and Ontarians. Here is the April media report.

With the musings in the media a few days ago that the Ford government was discussing paid sick days, we at the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) issued a statement urging the provincial government to move immediately with paid sick days and disclose the details.

RN Amanda Ottley is a registered nurse and RNAO member working in the field of disability management. She is one of the founders of the Save Toronto Carnival community group and in this article, she introduces us to an inspiring grassroots effort. Thank you deeply for your work, Amanda!