Expert help is on the way for the Ontario nursing homes hardest hit by COVID-19.

In breaking news, the Ford Progressive Conservatives at Queen’s Park have adopted an emergency order that will allow them to appoint a manager to oversee the response to the virus at long term care homes struggling to deal with an outbreak.

Of Ontario’s 626 long term care homes, there have been 249 outbreaks. The sector now accounts for more than three-quarters of all COVID-19 related deaths.

In a news release issued on Wednesday morning, the province said that the emergency order will “support the use of rapid, immediate and effective management alternatives to protect residents and staff within a home” when necessary.

At this point, it’s unclear whether the province has any immediate plans to appoint a specific individual to lead the response to COVID-19 in the long term care facilities.

Premier Ford continues to be resistant to ordering a public inquiry into the long term care system. Instead, he is offering a review.