GTHA Mayors and Chairs look forward to busiest week of COVID-19 vaccinations so far

HAMILTON, ON – Today, Mayors and Chairs from the 11 largest municipal governments across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area held their regular weekly meeting to discuss the ongoing response to COVID-19 across the region.

We wish to acknowledge that this week is National Nursing Week and we join in expressing our gratitude to nurses as they continue to demonstrate such courage and professionalism alongside all healthcare workers.

COVID-19 case counts are going in the right direction across the GTHA while vaccination rates continue to rise. Credit is due to our residents who have exhibited patience in following public health guidelines. We are making progress stopping the spread of the virus and getting people in our hottest hot spots vaccinated. The Mayors and Chairs reaffirmed their willingness to share in the risks and benefits of our shared citizenship.

The Mayors and Chairs welcomed the fact that this week the GTHA municipalities will be undertaking their biggest and busiest week of vaccine dose administration so far. This work is thanks to increased supply from the federal and provincial governments to hot spot areas and we would welcome further additional supply over the coming weeks to ensure we can vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. We are all anxious to meet or exceed the target set by Premier Ford to have 65 per cent of eligible residents vaccinated by the end of May. Any additional supply would help us make that happen. We also rely on the federal and provincial governments for transparent explanations with respect to vaccine supplies.

The current vaccination effort is made easier with a predictable timeline laid out by the province when eligibility will open up to different age groups, professions, and those with health conditions. We believe these clearly communicated timelines have helped people plan their lives and have helped everyone manage expectations. 

The GTHA Mayors and Chairs are asking the Province to provide predictability for the current provincial Stay-At-Home order and what is to follow. As the Victoria Day long weekend approaches, people and businesses have begun to ask perfectly reasonable questions as to where things will stand as of that time, so they can make plans of all kinds, business and pleasure. Accordingly, we think it is important that the Ontario government communicate clearly and as soon as possible whether or not its order will be extended further or modified based on public health advice."

“To those that have registered for the vaccine, have received the vaccine and continue to do their part by following our public health measures, I sincerely thank you. Your actions are making a difference in protecting the health and well-being of our community. I want to encourage all community members to learn of the priority groups for vaccination so that you can be vaccinated under whichever criteria you qualify for first. Vaccines are safe, they work and they will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community.”

Mayor Fred Eisenberger