The HPPA provides for the organization and delivery of public health programs and services, the prevention of the spread of disease and the promotion and protection of the health of the people of Ontario.
Ontario Regulation 569 (Reports Regulation) under the HPPA outlines requirements with respect to the reporting of diseases of public health significance or communicable diseases.
The Ministry of Health is now proposing amendments to Paragraph 11 of Section 5 of the Reports Regulation that would require the collection of information on race, income level, language, and household size for individuals who test positive for a novel coronavirus, including COVID-19.
The collection of data on race, income, language, and household size in a province-wide, standardized manner, for cases of COVID-19, is important to:
� Ensure a more complete picture of data collection related to COVID-19;
� Reduce inconsistencies in data collection efforts to date; and
� Inform effective public health practices and interventions in response to COVID-19.
Health Protection and Surveillance Policy and Programs Branch
Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Public Health
Ministry of Health
393 University Avenue, Suite 2100
Toronto, ON M7A 2S1