Healthcare workers calling on MPP Randy Hillier to stop spreading COVID-19 misinformation

By Alex Black

A group of healthcare workers have signed an open letter, calling for a Kingston-area politician to stop spreading misinformation about COVID-19.

Independent MPP Randy Hillier has been very outspoken in downplaying the seriousness of the novel coronavirus, even posting a photo of a large family gathering over the holidays, and confirming he intends to host more.

The Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MPP has also openly opposed lockdowns and mandatory masks, and is currently facing charges in connection to a rally he helped organize at Queen's Park in November. 

Dr. Jeanette Dietrich wrote the letter, saying the falsehoods being spread by the politician, both on social media and on his website, are dangerous.

“There are a number of things on his website that generally downplay the seriousness of COVID-19, that discourage people from taking appropriate actions, that try to diminish or discredit the number of deaths ,” Dr. Dietrich tells the Rob Snow Show. “It concerns me deeply.” 

Dr. Dietrich says the numbers of people in hospital with COVID-19 are very real and many people haven't grasped the staffing aspect. She says, as patients stay longer in intensive care units (ICU), nurses are pulled away from other duties, like scheduled surgeries. 

The open letter has been signed by about 130 healthcare workers and endorsed by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.

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