The Saskatchewan government announced their COVID-19 vaccine delivery plan on Wednesday resulting in some much-needed hope around the province.
Priority populations will be vaccinated later this month following healthcare workers who are providing direct care to COVID-19 patients, who could be vaccinated as early as next week.
In the City of Humboldt, councillor Roger Nordick is in regular talks with seniors and said those that he has spoken with lately will be relieved at the news of the vaccine roll-out plan.
“Most that I have talked to are looking forward to seeing it [the vaccine] because they are deathly afraid and they have become very isolated and lonely in nursing homes,” Nordick said. “Largely they are excited to hear that it is coming.”
Nordick said that while he is apprehensive about the vaccine, he is excited to hear that the roll-out will happen sooner than initially planned.
“I appreciate that first responding health workers will get it first because they are the most vulnerable as they deal with the coronavirus all the time,” Nordick said. “We need those workers to take care of the seniors so I am happy with the roll-out.”
The announcement provided some hope for the months ahead which is what most people were needing, especially heading into the holidays.
“It is some much-needed hope for many,” Nordick said. “To have a Christmas all alone for so many that generally, that is the only time their families get together, so it is definitely positive news in that regard.”
Mayor of Melfort Glenn George reiterated the hope that came with the announcement.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel, it may be dim but at least it is there,” George said.
In general, George said he believes the restrictions that have been in place over the past couple of weeks have been effective in helping to level off case numbers and we need to trust the Chief Medical Health Officers’ guidelines.
“Dec. 17 is when they are reviewing the guidelines again and hopefully, we will be able to have Christmas with our close families, not that we should travel but with close family for sure,” George said.
George is hoping the general population remains diligent over the Christmas season and with the combination of the vaccine roll-out, life can inch back to normal.
“We look forward to the day we can visit the elderly and grandparents, I am feeling it as a grandparent, George said.
–
angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca
On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser
