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'I have heard the call for more dialogue' admits Chirico

Chirico promises a weekly news conference every Thursday morning at 10 and to 'continue to provide relevant information to the public and answer any questions you may have'

Dr. Jim Chirico, under a blizzard of complaints about his lack of transparency and failure to provide timely information, is pledging to improve.

See: Why Dr. Jim Chirico doesn't host live press conferences

When information was provided, it was often confusing and disjointed.

That will change, Chirico said in a news conference Monday morning,  joined by a panel of local experts that included Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Public Health Physician, Shannon Mantha, Executive Director of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer, and Andrea McLellan, Director of COVID-19 Immunization Strategy.

"What I can tell you is that I have heard the call for more dialogue and more access to information."

Chirico promises a weekly news conference every Thursday morning at 10 and to "continue to provide relevant information to the public and answer any questions you may have."

A team of public health experts will be available to answer questions and provide the latest pandemic response information, especially as the vaccine rollout progresses says a news release.

The live virtual press conference will at times include public health physicians, emergency management experts, and others within the Health Unit and community responsible for managing public health throughout the pandemic. The recording will be made available to the public on Thursday afternoons through social media.

Chirico says the free flow of information will become increasingly important as the region's vaccination plan unfolds.

Read the entire COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open

"As well, given the health unit spans 31 municipalities we will also be holding meetings every two weeks with municipal leaders to co-ordinate approaches, streamline services and ensure consistency of message so we are best able to plan and support our communities. This will be in addition to the weekly municipal operations meeting that has been taking place since the start of the pandemic."

Chirico says he's hopeful these actions "will result in clear and consistent communication with the public."


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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