The Grey Bruce Public Health Covid Vaccine Task Force is coming to an end as the region continues to recover from the pandemic.
Recommended by Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra, public health says the decision comes based on favourable local epidemiology related to Covid as well as a memorandum from the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health on Nov. 30.
Arra says he is delighted to share the region has reached a point where they can conclude the task force.
“Nearly two years ago, as Grey Bruce Public Health prepared to launch the largest mass vaccination rollout in the area’s history, we were fortunate to have representatives from a wide range of sectors and organizations step up to serve on a task force to provide their support, expertise, and feedback for this unprecedented vaccination plan,” says Arra.
The task force was established in early 2021 under the direction of Grey Bruce Public Health, and its role was to provide feedback as well as direct and indirect support for the vaccination program plan in the region.
The task force regularly met throughout 2021 to support efforts providing first, second, and booster doses of the Covid vaccine to Grey-Bruce residents.
Based on a recommendation from Arra, the task force decided during its Feb. 16, 2022 meeting, to sunset itself on the condition all partners remain on standby should there be a surge in transmission. That standby has now come to an end.
The task force included representatives from the local business community, including Bruce Power and Chapman’s Ice Cream, Grey Bruce counties, and the agricultural, hospital, congregate care, school, pharmacy, and social services sectors. Additionally, it also included first responders and representatives from First Nations/Indigenous communities and faith-based organizations.
“I would like to thank every one of the individuals and organizations for the unwavering support and assistance they provided as members for the Covid-19 Vaccine task Force,” says Arra. “I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the many people who volunteered their time to support the vaccination rollout in Grey-Bruce, including those who volunteered at vaccination clinics in the area. Without you, our mass vaccination clinics would not have been possible.”
Public Health continues to encourage residents to stay up to date on their Covid vaccinations, as it remains one of the best ways of protection again severe outcomes from the virus.