TORONTO People who are angry about a proposed bill to protect businesses against COVID-19-related lawsuits should talk to their lawyer rather than just read the headlines, Premier Doug Ford said Wednesday.

This does not protect the long-term care homes 100 per cent, by any means, he said. If there has been gross negligence or negligence, continue suing them. They will be held accountable.

His government introduced Bill 218 Monday. It shields people who act in good faith and without gross negligence, from being sued for exposing others to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

More than 1,980 long-term care residents have died with COVID-19 in Ontario.