HPEPH will continue to offer vaccines in alignment with provincial guidance for Phase 2 Priority Populations
On Wednesday April 7, the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health (HPEPH) held a scheduled in-camera session for the purpose of a discussion of personnel issues in accordance with Section 239 (2) b; personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees; and (d) labour relations or employee negotiations. The Board of Health endorsed actions discussed in closed session.
After exiting the closed session, a new business item was brought forward in response to a letter received by the City of Quinte West Council from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO). In the letter, ETFO requested that teachers and staff be advanced in the priority of COVID-19 vaccinations. In response, Councillor Cassidy requested that the Board of Health advocate to the Medical Officer of Health to move teachers and staff up the priority line, and a motion was put forward to have teachers and staff vaccinated and petition the province if remote learning is not adopted.
The motion was defeated 5 (no) to 3 (yes). As such, HPEPH will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations in alignment with Provincial Guidance for Prioritization of Phase 2 Populations.
Dr. Oglaza recognized and addressed the concerns raised by Board Members and the community about the necessity of maintaining classroom learning environments. Dr. Oglaza advised that HPEPH does not have the authority to contravene provincial guidance regarding prioritization of vaccines. However, the province has recently announced that certain groups of teachers will receive accelerated access to vaccines, such as those involved in special education where more caregiving is required.
The Board of Health was advised that the team at HPEPH continues to work closely with local school boards to monitor case rates and potential transmissions in schools. Complete minutes from the open session will be circulated with the agenda for the May 2021 Board of Health Meeting, which will take place May 5, 2021.
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Further to the discussion that took place at the Board of Health, HPEPH issued a release about local commitment to keeping schools safe, and keeping families informed. As stated by the province: “Keeping schools and child care open is critical to the mental health and well-being of Ontario children and youth. Schools and child care will remain open for in-person care and learning in public health regions where it is permitted, with strict safety measures in place.”
HPEPH continues to recognize and appreciate the incredible efforts and tireless work of local educators and school staff to keep classrooms safe. Local school communities can be reassured that to date, HPEPH has seen only one instance of transmission within the school environment (transportation to/from school). With the exception of this single occurrence, all of the cases reported among students and school staff have been acquired outside of the school environment, and no spread has taken place within the classroom itself.
The goals of Ontario’s vaccination program are to prevent death, severe illness, hospitalizations and ICU admissions and reduce transmission. The province has made it clear that vaccination of Phase 2 populations will be based on age and risk factors in order to reduce these outcomes for those who are most vulnerable. HPEPH is currently offering vaccine to individuals who are over the age of 60, individuals with chronic conditions, and individuals who work closely with those who are most vulnerable. Educators and school staff who are at an increased risk of complications from COVID-19 due to their age and/or chronic conditions are eligible for advance prioritization and can pre-register at hpePublicHealth.ca/covid-19-vaccines.
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Media Contacts
Emily Tubbs
etubbs@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland
mhyland@hpeph.ca
