The Mayor of Sioux Lookout is asking everyone to remain vigilant as COVID vaccinations are on hold right now due to a shortage in Moderna doses in our area.
Doug Lawrance is a member of the Municipal COVID Coordination Committee and says they have met four times.
Lawrance notes the vaccination rollout is complex and unpredictable.
He also delivered an important message in a video address to the community.
“We do need to remember to be patient. To be patient to wait our turn to be vaccinated. And to be patient and kind to our public health workers and others who are themselves navigating a situation and system that is constantly changing.”
He adds, “Please know that the demands on our health unit staff are at their highest level since the pandemic began over a year ago and all of their work is under intense scrutiny. Staff is limited and stretched.”
Lawrance notes more so now as they are busy with contract tracing on reported cases, contact management after people are identified and now a delay in vaccinations.
He is urging everyone to follow public health guidelines and stay in your own home as much as possible.
“One of the concerns is the very limited number of ICU beds in northwestern Ontario. And with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre still in Level Grey lockdown, the situation can become critical very quickly.”
Here is who is eligible to receive a vaccination when clinics resume:
-Anyone aged 75 years or older (anyone born in 1946 or earlier)
-Health Care Workers, including staff who work in congregate living settings
-Adult Home Care Recipients
-Faith leaders who provide end of life care, care of the deceased, funerals, home visits to unwell persons, or pastoral care in hospitals, long-term care homes, etc.
-Indigenous adults, including Metis (and their household members)
To book an appointment call 1-833-943-3900.
If you have problems with the booking system call the Health Unit COVID Hotline at 1-866-468-2240.
