By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
It may take a village to raise a child, Cobourg Mayor John Henderson said at Monday’s council meeting, but it also takes an entire community to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in a positive and proactive manner.
A day in advance of the mass-vaccination clinic opening at the Cobourg Community Centre, the feat of getting it into place in mere days was celebrated with a visit from Ontario Premier Doug Ford. And though he wore a proper suit at the event, Henderson showed up at council’s virtual meeting in an orange “Helping to beat COVID in Northumberland one jab at a time” T-shirt.
“The goal, starting tomorrow, is to vaccinate 400 individuals – and ultimately, if we work out the kinks and logistics, the idea is to double that, up to 800 on a daily basis,” Henderson said.
“We’ll go five days a week and, as we get better at this, we will look at how can we operate seven days a week.
“The most important number was provided by the premier,” he added, giving the telephone number to register for an appointment once your appropriate age group is invited to sign up – 1-888-999-6488.
Many of the press questions directed at Premier Ford during the event had to do with glitches in rolling out this service.
“I know individuals are calling in, indicating their frustration, saying they did everything right – they called the line, they followed the protocols, and they just couldn’t get through with an affirmation,” the mayor said.
“The Premier promised, when he gets back to Toronto tonight, he’s going to resolve it.
“Tomorrow is going to be a great day, and it’s a great start.”
“All our local volunteers have really highlighted our sense of community, and that was terrific to see on national TV,” Councillor Emily Chorley commented.
Meanwhile, she continued, it’s important for recreational users of the facility to remember to enter through the D’Arcy Street (or west) doors, as the east entrance is reserved for people attending the vaccination clinic.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
