The provincial government says more than 7,000 people have received their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in the far north.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones says they want to have the shots finished before the spring melt.
“You know around this time of year we start preparing in the Solicitor General’s office emergency responses for remote communities in case flooding occurs as a result of the spring melt,” explains Jones.
“We wanted to make sure these communities were given an opportunity to be vaccinated early to ensure that potential evacuation situations weren’t worsened by possible COVID-19 infections.”
Jones says they have delivered vaccines to more than 21 communities so far.
Thanks to excellent partnerships and the leadership of @Ornge, in its first weeks Operation Remote Immunity has delivered over 7,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to 21 of a planned 32 remote/fly-in First Nations communities. @NANComms @CanadianForces @ONresources pic.twitter.com/ftVLvmtTq7
— Sylvia Jones (@SylviaJonesMPP) February 18, 2021
Paul Holcroft, a community member in Eabametoong First Nation (Fort Hope), made the choice to be vaccinated today for the safety of his family, community and himself.
Together, we can protect Indigenous communities, history, languages and culture. #OpRemoteImmunity pic.twitter.com/MWj9ZSUcDZ
— Ornge (@Ornge) February 18, 2021
