Ontario COVID-19 science table being dissolved; government says work will go on

Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, which has provided guidance and advice to the government and public throughout most of the pandemic, said Friday that it is being dissolved, but the government said its work will continue.Members of the group wrote in a letter Friday that Public Health Ontario informed them last week that the science table and its working groups would be dissolved as of Sept.

6. The advisers said that as the table winds down, it will aim to complete existing work.“The Science Table’s work reflects the remarkable dedication of the hundreds of volunteer scientists, physicians and administrators who devoted their time to the effort,” they wrote.“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served Ontario since July of 2020.

Many of us will remember our work for the Science Table as some of the most important work we have ever had the chance to do.” Ontario COVID advisory table recommends ‘permanent measures’ for classrooms ahead of school year A statement Friday from Public Health Ontario suggested it is looking at forming a new group, saying it has been engaged in discussions with science table representatives over the last few weeks over new terms of reference.“The new terms of reference establish a mandate that reflects a long-term, sustainable approach and ensures the continued provision of credible and independent scientific and technical public health advice to the province on COVID-19 and future public health emergencies,” it wrote.“Membership will continue to be comprised of independent experts.”Premier Doug Ford said he isn’t dissolving the science table.“We’re actually transferring it over to public health,” he said at an unrelated press conference.