Janice Baker, Chief Administrative Officer, provided an update on the Region of Peel’s Community Mass Vaccination Plan, noting that the Region will be a lead partner in development, execution and roll out of an effective vaccination plan.
Dr. Loh, Medical Officer of Health, provided an outline of the plan including: the roles of local, provincial and federal governments; goals and objectives; system level approach involving partnerships with local government, health and community partners; mass vaccination operations team; Regional vaccination progress to date; initial priority population framework; a three phase approach; vaccination tactics including timelines; vaccination clinic specifications; the resourcing plan; communication and engagement; risk mitigation and advocacy; and, next steps.
Dr. Loh noted that, in addition to ramping up mass vaccinations, the Region is also continuing its emergency response to the pandemic in one of the hardest hit communities in Ontario and Canada; he stated that adherence to public health measures for disease control is crucial to supporting vaccination success.
Members of Regional Council discussed and raised questions regarding: screening protocols at Pearson International Airport; federally mandated travel restrictions and enforcement; community messaging with respect to the vaccination program and continued adherence to the emergency orders; the need for a strategic communication plan and resource requirements; prioritization of vaccinations with respect to seniors living at home; a request to vaccinate fire fighters in Brampton; vaccination timelines and staffing requirements; continued advocacy for paid sick days; rapid testing availability; and, the Toronto Star email campaign regarding a Long Term Care five step action plan.
Councillor Palleschi placed a motion proposing that the Region of Peel, the City of Brampton, the City of Mississauga, and the Town of Caledon, partner, in alignment with advice from Peel Public Health, and invest in a significant joint communications campaign to residents of Peel Region.
The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that staff report back with a more fulsome outline of the vaccination program and related communications plan.
Councillor Parrish proposed that the motion from Councillor Palleschi be referred to staff for a report to the February 11, 2021 Regional Council meeting.