Ontario to announce vaccine task force Friday, group will plan rollout
Posted December 3, 2020 2:23 pm.
Last Updated December 3, 2020 3:25 pm.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province will unveil its vaccine task force on Friday.
Ford says the team is being finalized Thursday and the province will be ready to distribute the vaccine when it arrives.
Health Minister Christine Elliott says the task force will include medical, information technology, and logistics experts.
Earlier this month, the province announce retired Gen. Rick Hillier will lead the task force.
Elliott says the team will also include a bioethicist who will help decide who should receive first access to the vaccine.
The province has been criticized by opposition leaders for not releasing publicly the names of the task force members.
The federal government expects several vaccines will be approved early next year but supply will initially be limited to about three million people. Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer, said Thursday they are targeting priority groups that will most benefit from an earlier vaccine while reducing the spread of the virus.
“In a country as geographically large and diverse as ours we are facing some logistical complexities,” he said, including reaching remote communities and co-ordinating between various levels of government.
Pfizer’s vaccine is expected to start being delivered first in January, and will be sent by the manufacturer to pre-determined points in each province.
The Canadian Armed Forces received formal orders last week to start planning for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. A planning directive for Operation Vector includes preparations on vaccine-storage facilities and notes the possibility of flying doses on short notice from Spain, Germany and the U.S.
Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin, who is leading the country’s distribution effort, said the speed, scope and scale of this plan makes it unique in the country’s history. The Canadian Armed Forces are already holding simulation tests to ensure critical capability gaps are filled and any risks are mitigated.
