We have been advised by Dr. Ian Arra, the Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, that the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be delivered to Grey Bruce on January 25, 2021. Vaccinations for priority groups will start shortly after the vaccine arrives.

The first recipients in Neyaashiinigmiing will be residents of the Seniors Apartment Complex, which is being regarded as a long-term care facility for the purposes of vaccine distribution. We expect those residents to be vaccinated in the last week of January. Residents of the community who are 70 years and older, not living in the Seniors Apartment Complex, will be vaccinated in the next round of vaccinations, expected in mid-February.

Unfortunately, supplies of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines remain limited worldwide. While a vaccination will be available for everyone eventually, lower priority groups will have to wait for their dose until supply and distribution lines catch up.

Until we are all safely vaccinated, our best strategy remains careful following of the pandemic health and safety guidelines:

• Wear a mask outside your home.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Watch your distance. Remain at least 2 meters from people you do not live with.

Thank you to all our members, residents and staff for your patience, courage and strength during this difficult time. We look forward to seeing you all again, in person, when the pandemic has passed.