Provincial Update
Earlier this week, the Ontario government announced that second dose intervals for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine would be further accelerated from 12 to 8 weeks, with informed consent. The decision was made in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, including the Ontario Science Advisory Table.
City of Toronto Update
The City of Toronto is working to open 90,000 new vaccine appointments over the next two weeks to respond to continued demand as eligibility for second vaccine expands. To date, more than 2.8M COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Toronto as part of the Team Toronto initiative. This week, the city also provided an update to the Homebound Sprint initiative that included a social media shout-out from Mayor Tory for the hard work of our Community Paramedics.
Still Need Your Second Dose?
Paramedics who received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose from HRH should have received an email from the hospital with the date and time of their second dose. However, HRH is allowing drop-in vaccinations only for those who received their first dose from HRH and provided it has been at least 28 days. Paramedics who received their first dose at SUN should have received an email from the hospital with the date and time of their second dose (NOTE: SUN does not offer drop-in vaccinations).
If you obtain an earlier appointment, please remember to cancel your original appointment and update the Scheduling Unit if there is a conflict with a scheduled shift. If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact the SSC (416-338-2700 or SSC@toronto.ca).
All staff are encouraged to determine if they qualify for an earlier second dose under Ontario’s accelerated second dose schedule (dose date, priority group, etc.). You can rebook your appointment online at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.
Communications Recap
This week, memorandums were released regarding the following:
Operations, Community Paramedics and Education:
- 2021 Mandatory Spring CME and N95 Respirator Fit Testing (3M 1870+)
- MEMO from SUNNYBROOK – Double Sequential External Defibrillation for Refractory VF (DOSE VF) RCT – UPDATE #16
Communications:
National Indigenous Peoples Day: Monday, June 21, 2021
June 21, 2021, is the 25th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrating the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The City of Toronto will hold a virtual event to honour Indigenous traditions and culture, while providing an opportunity for community healing. The video will start at 05:30 and will be available for on-demand viewing any time afterwards.
Did you know the City has a dedicated Indigenous Affairs Office (IAO) to support divisions in their work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and all urban Indigenous communities? Learn more about the work of the IAO on the intranet.
#FridayFeels
Earlier this week, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones issued a statement thanking Ontario’s Health Care Heroes for their commitment throughout the pandemic.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario’s frontline health care workers have faced challenges unlike anything we have seen before. Across the province, these individuals have demonstrated remarkable bravery and resilience, often putting themselves in harm’s way to care for our sick and most vulnerable citizens. We won’t ever be able to fully express the depths of our gratitude.”
– Minister Christine Elliott
(read the full statement here)
We want to thank each of you for your continued hard work throughout these challenging times. Stage One of the Provincial Reopening has given us hope, especially for this weekend as we celebrate Father’s Day with those we love. Please remember to be vigilant in protecting yourselves, your family members and your colleagues. Continue to wash your hands, wear a mask, and maintain physical distancing around others.
Take care, and stay safe.
(Original signed by)
Jennifer Shield