Health Sciences North identified as a potential hub for the COVID-19 vaccine
It’s North-eastern Ontario’s largest hospital and has the cooling requirements for the Phizer vaccine, so Health Sciences North in Sudbury is being considered as the most likely choice of distribution by Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
The health unit continues to hold discussions with municipal and community partners and it has indicated the vaccine distribution plan for this area makes the Sudbury hospital the most likely choice.
The agency says the storage of the Phizer vaccine is of prime importance adding this is another reason the hospital is the prime choice.
Moderna vaccine
Health Canada’s chief medical advisor Dr. Supriya Sharma says she is expecting formal approval of the Moderna vaccine soon since Health Canada only had to review documentation before giving final approval.
She adds the Ontario task force is waiting for that approval, since the Moderna vaccine does not have the same extreme cold temperature storage and in terms of logistics, would be a better choice to distribute to rural and smaller communities.
Schools may not reopen after holidays
The provincial government is telling school boards that they should be prepared for the possibility that there will only be remote learning after the Christmas break.
In a memo to the boards, Education Minister Stephen Lecce says students and staff should be encouraged to take home all materials they’ll need for remote learning when school ends for the holidays.
He adds the preparations should include ensuring all students have the equipment necessary to continue classes from home.
Lecce’s note says the COVID-19 situation in the province is evolving rapidly, with hospitalizations on the rise.
2020 Public Health Champions named
Algoma Public Health has named its champions for 2020. The annual nomination process recognizes people and organizations that go above and beyond in dealing with health issues.
The Health Protection Champion is Leila Macumber of Serpent River First Nation.
The Mental Health & Wellness Champion is Student Success and Advancement Teams at Algoma University.
The Re-Open Safely Champion kudos is shared with Sault Ste. Marie YMCA and the Town of Blind River and The Amplifier Champion is also shared between The Wawa Family Health Team, the Elliot Lake Family Health Team, and Mayor Christian Provenzano of the City of Sault Ste. Marie.