The Northwestern Health Unit is expecting its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines in early February.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says they are currently working with their partners and agencies on plans for Phase 1.
The first group to get vaccinated will include long-term care residents, staff and essential caregivers.
“We provide information as soon as we can on the vaccine situation. We will be as transparent as possible throughout the process, keeping in mind that there are security protocols that must be followed. As we receive more information on dates and quantities, we will share the information as we are allowed to,” says Dr. Young Hoon.
“We will also share information about clinics and eligible populations so that people know when they can get vaccinated. Keep in mind that this is decided at the provincial level, and we are expected to follow their instructions.”
The vaccine rollout will be a three-phased approach.
Dr. Young Hoon says shots for those who are not in a high-risk group will likely begin in early summer.
The health unit reminds the public that receiving the vaccine does not mean that life will immediately return to normal.
“Even once immunized, we must continue to practice all COVID-19 prevention measures. The number of shots given will be closely monitored throughout the immunization process to assess when it is safe for prevention measures to be loosened,” says Young Hoon.
Meantime, the Northwestern Health Unit says the Stay at Home Order doesn’t contradict the need to exercise outdoors.
Young Hoon says exercise is considered essential and therefore allowed.
“The actual legal order does allow people to leave their households for exercise and to use recreational facilities that are allowed to be open,” states Young Hoon.
“That means ice rinks and trails and so on. Exercise is important for health, and so it is important for people to think about their mental health and make sure they are taking care of it.”
She adds as long as you are in your family household of five or less, a bit of exercise is good for your mental health.
