That Council adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS York Region is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases; and,
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has identified 114 high priority communities or “hot spots” based on postal codes, including 13 hot spots in The Regional Municipality of York; and,
WHEREAS York Region has been forced to prioritize five of these 13 hot spots due to lack of vaccine supply; and,
WHEREAS York Region has had to temporarily close vaccination clinics and adjust clinic hours due to a lack of supply; and,
WHEREAS The Province of Ontario has indicated individuals aged 18 and over in designated hot spots, as identified by postal code, are eligible for vaccination; and,
WHEREAS without additional vaccine, York Region cannot expand fully to protect the remaining eight of 13 provincially identified ‘hot spot’ areas, including residents and essential workers such as those working in manufacturing plants and educators; and,
WHEREAS other health units in the Province, including the City of Toronto and Region of Peel, appear to have vaccine supply to enable them to immunize persons in their hot spots over the age of 18; and,
WHEREAS this policy creates inequity for York Region residents in hot spots; and,
WHEREAS with a consistent supply of vaccine York Region has the infrastructure in place to vaccinate residents in eligible priority groups consistent with provincial direction;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Province be requested to have an equitable distribution of vaccines to all ‘hot spot’ areas across Ontario to ensure consistency and equity in vaccine distribution.