Dear Neighbours,
This week we mourn the deaths of victims who were killed in Georgia in a violent attack. Hyun J. Grant, Yong A. Yue, Suncha Kim, Soon C. Park, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Delaina Ashley Yuan and Paul Andre Michels were murdered in Atlanta on Tuesday. Our hearts go out to the friends and families of those who lost their lives in this senseless attack.
We must condemn any form of discrimination, violence, misogyny, and racism. Sadly, Toronto has also had increased incidents of anti-Asian harassment since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Chinese Canadian National Council has an Incident Reporting Tool where you can report incidents of anti-Asian harassment.
Let’s commit to understanding and acceptance of all cultures and communities, and ensure we call out hatred when we see it. And at this difficult time, let us all stand in solidarity with the Asian community, including the victims in Georgia and their families.
Vaccine Rollout
Starting Monday, March 22 the eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine has expanded:
- Residents 60 years of age and older can now book an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine through this list of pharmacies.
Starting Saturday, March 27:
- Residents in Toronto 70 years of age and older will be able to register for the vaccine appointments through the province’s online portal.
See the Vaccine Update below and the new COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ section on my website for answers to many of your questions.
Outdoor Dining Resumes in Toronto
The Province also announced this afternoon that, beginning 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, outdoor dining will be allowed in lockdown zones including Toronto, but will be limited to people of the same household, a caregiver, or a person living alone. This comes as good news for the many restaurants and bars that have been limited to takeout and delivery. The warmer weather is welcome to many, but we must continue to follow public health guidelines and proper physical distancing.
Homelessness
Homelessness has been an ongoing concern in Toronto, with the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbating the issue as inadequate shelter space and COVID evictions forced more people onto the streets. With a number of tent encampments in local parks, I organized an advocacy group with residents, business owners, homelessness advocates and mental health experts who have met for months now to advocate for both immediate and long-term solutions to this crisis.
In our last meeting, which you can watch here, we had a very informative presentation from the Toronto Shelter Network and City Councillor staff shared information about the Pathway Inside program. Much more is needed, as it is clear the Provincial Government is not taking responsibility or necessary action to provide support or build affordable housing. Check out this link to see the NDP’s plan to build affordable housing and end homelessness. Please email [email protected] to join this group as we continue to advocate for solutions to end the homelessness crisis.
Stay well,
Vaccine Update
See the NEW COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ Section
AstraZeneca Pharmacy Vaccine Program
Premier Doug Ford announced that, starting Monday, March 22, select pharmacies in regions including Toronto can start giving the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine to residents aged 60 and older (if 60 or older as of the day of vaccination or, if will be 60 or older in 2021). Previously, it was limited to those between 60 and 65.
In order to book, you must have a valid Ontario OHIP card, or other form of valid government-issued identification.
Booking information and pharmacy sites available here.
Vaccinations with the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine at primary care settings are part of a limited rollout according to available supply and are not taking appointments by request. Do not call your primary care providers to book an appointment – participating primary care providers in select areas are reaching out to eligible Ontarians aged 60 and older.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) says there is now enough “real-world evidence” to show the AstraZeneca vaccine is both safe and effective for seniors aged 65 and older. The decision reverses a recommendation made by the body on March 1st when the panel of vaccine experts said AstraZeneca hadn’t included enough people over the age of 65 in its clinical trials.
Read more on this here.
Phase 1: What You Need to Know
Starting Saturday, March 27, Ontarians aged 70 and older (if an individual is turning 70 or older in 2021) can get vaccinated against COVID-19 at immunization clinics including those operated by the city of Toronto.
Hospitals and Ontario Health Teams in the City of Toronto are currently accepting registration and/or appointment booking for eligible individuals for the COVID-19 Vaccine. Please note that new appointments become available every Thursday at 7:00 pm.
Who is eligible as of Saturday, March 27:
- People who are 70 years of age and older (if an individual is turning 70 or older in 2021)
- Health care workers in Highest Priority and Very High Priority risk groups
- Indigenous Adults (16 years of age or older)
- Adults receiving chronic home care
Where to register:
There are 4 ways to book an appointment:
1. Ontario’s Online and Telephone Booking System
You can book your appointment through the province’s online portal at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/
You can also call the Province’s Vaccine Booking Help Line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). This line is available 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, 7 days a week.
People who still have a red and white health card, or who require assistance with booking, can call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line at 1-888-999-6488 (open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; provide assistance in 300 languages).
2. Hospitals (via pre-registration)
Eligible individuals:
- As of March 27, People who are 70 years of age and older (if an individual is turning 70 or older in 2021)
- Health care workers in Highest Priority and Very High Priority risk groups
- Indigenous Adults (16 years of age or older)
- Adults receiving chronic home care
People from these priority groups can book an appointment at a hospital or health care clinic, by visiting the online registration system at:
www.vaccineto.ca or calling the call centre at 1-888-385-1910
3. Select Pharmacies (AstraZeneca Pilot for people 60 and older)
As of Monday, March 22, individuals aged 60 and older (if 60 or older as of the day of vaccination or, if will be 60 or older in 2021) can register to receive the AstraZeneca vaccination at one of the selected pharmacies in the regions of Toronto, Windsor-Essex, and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington by visiting:
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations
In order to book, you must have a valid Ontario OHIP card, or other form of valid government-issued identification.
4. City-run Mass Immunization Clinics
As of Saturday, March 27, if you are a Toronto resident who is turning 70 or older in 2021, you can also book COVID-19 vaccination appointments online at a City of Toronto operated clinic via the Ontario Online Portal at:
https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/
Need assistance?
- For Step-by-Step Instructions on how to book, please click this link.
- People can also call 1-888-385-1910 for assistance to complete pre-registration forms and book appointments at local vaccine clinics operated by participating hospitals and OHTs.
Phase 2: Set to Begin April 2021
The Ontario government is preparing to move into Phase 2 of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next month. Between April 2021 and July 2021, the province expects up to nine million Ontarians to be vaccinated. During Phase 2, groups that will receive the vaccine include:
- Adults ages 60 years of age and older
- Individuals with specific health conditions and some primary caregivers
- People who live and work in congregate settings and some primary caregivers
- People who live in hot spots with high rates of death, hospitalizations and transmission
- Certain workers who cannot work from home