Press Release
RCDHU
As of today, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is reporting that 396 people have successfully received COVID-19 Vaccines in Renfrew County and District (RCD). “This is no doubt, an exciting time for the residents of RCD. We want to extend a sincere thank you to our partners for helping in this smooth rollout,” states Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, RCDHU.
These clinics have been part of phase one of the COVID-19 Vaccine Roll Out, which includes providing COVID-19 vaccinations to residents, employees and staff, and essential caregivers of congregate living settings that provide care for seniors (i.e., health care workers (including all those who work in health care settings and those in direct contact with patients); adults in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations where infection can have disproportionate consequences, including those living in remote or isolated areas; and adult recipients of chronic home health care).
Due to shortages in vaccine supply in Canada and Ontario, there have been delays in vaccine rollout including in Renfrew County and District. “It is difficult to forecast, but we should get enough vaccines to get through phase one by the middle to end of March. I would love to be wrong, but we need to be prepared for these delays,” says Dr. Cushman. “The uncertainty of vaccine availability and distribution continues. While it is frustrating, we ask residents to be patient during this time. We will release information on timelines and vaccine roll out as it becomes available,” continues Dr. Cushman. In the meantime, RCDHU is working with key community partners, to involve them in the local planning and implementation of the COVID-19 Vaccine Roll Out. “This will ensure that we are ready to administer vaccinations quickly once vaccine becomes available,” states Dr. Cushman.
Remember, we need to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay home. Stay Safe. Save lives. In addition to the new public health measures set out in the provincial shutdown and second provincial emergency order, it is imperative that everyone do their part to keep the community safe; stay home if they are sick, avoid contact with people who are ill, practice physical distancing (2 metres), wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained, wash their hands, use the COVID Alert App, and if you are symptomatic, complete the COVID-19 self-assessment tool or COVID-19 school and child care self-assessment tool before going to work, school or daycare, to monitor for symptoms and proper guidance. If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 Vaccines, please visit RCDHU’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): COVID-19 Vaccines and FAQs: COVID-19 Vaccines for Healthcare Workers.
For more information, visit RCDHU’s website at https://www.rcdhu.com/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-2/ or call 613-732-3629 or 1-800-267-1097.
