The Government of Ontario is investing millions of dollars to go towards medical research to help combat COVID-19.
On Saturday, Premier Doug Ford announced $20 million in funding to help Ontario-based researchers find a vaccine for COVID-19 as well as come up with other solutions to defeat the virus.
Research eligible for funding may include, developing a vaccine, researching the COVID-19 strain, enhancing testing procedures, or improving modelling tools to help track the virus.
"We have some of the best and brightest minds anywhere in the world right here in Ontario," said Ford. "Whether it's developing a vaccine, using 3-D printers to make personal protective equipment or designing better portable ventilators, our brilliant researchers are leading the charge in the fight against COVID-19 and giving our frontline health care workers the tools and resources they need to deliver top-notch care for patients."
Ontario researchers are encouraged to submit proposals through the new Ontario Together website. The website also includes an option for research institutions, in addition to individuals, corporations and other entities, to submit ideas about how to expand health care capacity and build Ontario's current and future supply chain capacity.
During his remarks on Saturday, Ford said that life won't be able to return to "normal" until a vaccine is found.
"I know we are all eager to get back to work and get back to normal," said Ford. "The reality is, we have to remember that until we find a vaccine for this terrible virus, until we have that vaccine, letting our guard down means potentially exposing millions of our people to the virus."
Research submissions through the Ontario Together portal will be accepted until April 24, 2020.
Ford added that on Monday, the province will be releasing the updated public health data and projections regarding the virus.
