Ontario's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, is facing mounting pressure to address the province's escalating measles outbreak. As late as March 14, Moore was still encouraging residents to get vaccinated. Measles cases have increased to their highest rates in more than 10 years. This statement is one of Moore’s rare communiques, public or otherwise. Lately he has escaped all media scrutiny and public inquiry into his heavy-handed management of Ontario’s public health policy.
The unprecedented situation has united political parties in their criticism. Now the Liberals are calling on Moore to make public the province’s plan to prevent an outbreak of measles. That includes asking him to increase funding for local public health departments.
“We need a commitment from the provincial government for adequate funding for our public health unit so they can actually do the work that’s necessary to improve education and vaccination rates,” stated an unnamed Liberal representative.
As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, Moore started holding frequent public briefings, but he’s had a reduced public presence since then. Global News has reached out to the Ministry of Health for comment. They’re requesting an emergency public briefing from Moore regarding the outbreak. But these requests have gone unfulfilled, increasing pressure for transparency.
The outbreak has exhausted Ontario’s healthcare system, with 34 people hospitalized and two in intensive care.
"We haven’t seen this number of cases in a very long time, and the thing that’s very tragic about it is we know that it’s going to impact children the most," said Robin Lennox, highlighting the urgent need for action.
Dr. Moore attended the swearing-in ceremony for Premier Doug Ford's new cabinet but has yet to make himself available for interviews about Ontario's response to the measles crisis. At the same time, NDP Leader Marit Stiles’ spokesperson slammed the government for prioritizing unrelated matters.
“In the midst of this resurgence of measles, it is inexplicable that the Ford conservatives would be more preoccupied with sending emails today about ‘bear awareness’ than showing leadership and providing updates about the response to measles in Ontario,” the spokesperson remarked.
Dr. Moore emphasized the importance of vaccinations in his statement.
“Vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of measles and protect yourself and your loved ones,” he advised.
As Ontario continues to fight against this burgeoning public health crisis, calls for greater engagement from Dr. Moore have persisted.
