Niagara's healthcare sector says it is 'prepared to get doses into arms' as the region is getting ready to receive the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines this week.
It is after much frustration from health officials over the delay amidst rising numbers in the region that the vaccines will be distributed to front-line healthcare workers in long-term care and 'high-risk'-retirement homes, following the province's vaccine policy.
Public Health will deploy small teams to support staff working to vaccinate residents in retirement homes.
The shipment is expected for Tuesday or Wednesday, a joint statement from Niagara Health and the region's Public Health office said.
“We have planned aggressively and are well prepared to begin administering the COVID-19 vaccine in Niagara,” says Lynn Guerriero, President and Interim CEO of Niagara Health in the statement.
“With rising numbers of COVID-19 in the community and in the hospital, the vaccine will help us save lives, protect our hospital services and beat this pandemic. Every vaccine dose in an arm reduces the risk of the virus spreading in our region.”
At least 150 residents in long-term care have died since the start of the pandemic, accounting for 80 percent of the total deaths in the community.
Niagara's acting medical officer of health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji said Monday morning to Rosemary Barton on CBC that he would like to see Niagara designated as a 'hot zone' following the increase in cases.
So far, only Toronto, Peel, York, and the Windsor-Essex region have been designated as hot zones.
The statement also underlined the importance of continued public health measures.
“It is imperative that everyone in the community, including those vaccinated, continue to follow COVID-19 safety measures,” adds Dr. Hirji.
“During the current shutdown, all of us should stay home as much as possible, only heading out for essential purposes like grocery shopping, work or medical appointments. When we have to be outside of the home, we should keep 2 metres distance from everyone else, properly wear a mask over our mouth and nose when around others, and wash our hands often.”
