Table 2. Representative Quotes Pertaining to the Potential to Respond in Media Releases Issued by the NSW Government and the Government of Ontario .

Potential to Respond
Imposing New Restrictions
“Today, the Government of Ontario announced that it is taking decisive action by making an order declaring an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. In doing so, Ontario is using every power possible to continue to protect the health and safety of all individuals and families” (Ontario News Release 2020 03 17).
“The NSW Government has taken significant new steps to increase restrictions across the state – triggering the next level of enforcement necessary to fight COVID-19. Following the decisions made by National Cabinet, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the shutdown to protect NSW citizens” (NSW Premier-Deputy Premier 2020 02 23).
Relaxing Pre-Pandemic Restrictions
“Families will have more access to influenza vaccinations with the NSW Government lowering the age pharmacists can administer flu jabs to children from 16 years to 10 years. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said giving families more options to protect their children against flu is sensible, with the likely convergence of a COVID-19 pandemic with winter flu” (NSW Health Minister 2020 03 16).
“To ensure that anyone in need of care can receive it, Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for OHIP coverage” (Ontario News Release 2020 03 20). “NSW pharmacists now have extra powers enabling them to dispense medicines without a prescription and can now stay open 24/7, as the State fights COVID-19. Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said a special authority has been granted to community pharmacists to assist people who can’t access their GP” (NSW Health Minister 2020 03 31).
Responding to New Challenges & Opportunities
“…we must now bolster our mental health system to ensure it is able to dynamically respond to future pressures…In NSW, we have already invested an extra $73 million in mental health supports to improve the wellbeing of the whole community” (NSW Minister of Mental Health 2020 05 14).
“Starting today, the Ontario government is expanding virtual mental health services to help thousands of Ontarians experiencing anxiety and depression, including frontline healthcare workers, during the COVID-19 outbreak” (Ontario News Release 2020 05 05).

Abbreviations: NSW, New South Wales; COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; OHIP, Ontario Health Insurance Plan; GP, general practitioner.