Mayor Participates in Vaccine Rollout Strategy Meeting

Halton Hills, ON – Managing the impacts of COVID-19 continues to dominate the public sector agenda. Yesterday Mayors across Ontario participated in a call with Premier Ford, Deputy Premier & Minister of Health Elliott, Solicitor General Jones, Minister Clark & retired General Hillier. Mayor Bonnette was among the 442 participants. “I want this community to know that we are engaged and keeping apprised as to the development and delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine,” he said. The vaccine rollout will be led by local Public Health units (Halton Region) following approval from Health Canada. Municipalities will support the effort through promotion and education and possibly logistical assistance. The vaccine is anticipated to be rolled out in the first quarter of 2021 in a three-phase approach that prioritizes vulnerable persons and those living in vulnerable circumstances, long term care homes, red zones, lockdown areas, health care workers and First Nations. Phase two is anticipated to take 6-9 months and will be rolled out through special vaccination sites, regional health units and pharmacies. Phase three is slated to begin in late 2021 and will offer all Ontario residents the opportunity to be immunized with a delivery system similar to that of the flu shot campaign. Presenters noted the importance of continued diligence in handwashing and mask wearing to combat the pandemic. Additional information about the vaccine rollout is available on the Ontario Government’s website. Further details will be released as the strategy evolves.