The first Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered to frontline healthcare workers in Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford says it’s a historic day for the Province and Canada.
He recognized Anita Quidangen, the first person in Ontario and Canada to get the shot.
She is a personal support worker from the Rekai Centre in Sherbourne Place, a long term care home in Toronto.
“She has worked tirelessly to care for some of our most vulnerable, both throughout this pandemic and since her first days as a PSW in 1988,” said the Premier. “Anita has spent years rolling up her sleeves to protect our province, and today, she didn’t hesitate to find a new way to do so. She represents the best of the Ontario Spirit.”
Ford says today’s milestone officially launches the first phase of the government’s three-phase vaccine implementation plan to keep Ontarians safe and marks the beginning of the long journey to return life back to normal.
Over 2,500 health care workers in hospitals and long-term care homes will be vaccinated over the coming days and weeks, with more people to follow as additional shipments arrive.
The Premier is urging patience as the vaccine will arrive for everyone eventually in stages.
“Today’s milestone officially launches the first phase of our three-phase vaccine implementation plan to keep Ontarians safe and marks the beginning of the long journey to return life back to normal,” he said. “Over 2,500 health care workers in our hospitals and long-term care homes will be vaccinated over the coming days and weeks, with more people to follow as additional shipments arrive.
In the meantime, he urges all Canadians to continue following public health advice.
“General Hillier and the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force are working with Health Canada and other provincial and territorial partners to ensure the vaccines are distributed quickly, so people can get immunized as soon as possible,” he said. “This is a watershed moment – the beginning of the end of this terrible pandemic. The light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter every day, but we must remain on our guard. As we continue to roll out these vaccines, I’m asking all Ontarians to please continue following the public health measures to keep everyone safe and healthy, especially during the holiday season. Avoid social gatherings, wear a mask when required, practise physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and download the COVID Alert app. As we await the arrival of more vaccines, this is our best and only defence against this deadly virus.”
Photo: Ford (at right) watched today’s first historic doses of the vaccine being administered. “It was amazing to watch Anita Quidangen, the first person in Ontario & Canada to receive the vaccine,” he reported on his FB page. “Anita has worked tirelessly to care for some of our most vulnerable since her first days as a PSW in 1988. Thank you Anita for rolling up your sleeves to protect our province.”
This morning, I had the opportunity to talk to Anita Quidangen, the first person in Canada to receive the @PfizerCA COVID-19 vaccine.
Make no mistake there is a long road ahead of us, but this represents hope and proof that this pandemic will come to an end. pic.twitter.com/boeqQuGVWO
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) December 14, 2020
Last night, I was in Hamilton to oversee the first shipments of the Pfizer vaccines as they touched down in Ontario.
We have been preparing for this day for months and we are ready for the road ahead. Launching our vaccination program will finally put an end to COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/XPGK0emKVR
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) December 14, 2020
Photo via Ford Nation FB Page