THUNDER BAY — All frontline Thunder Bay Police officers have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Coun. Kristen Oliver informed council members on Monday night.
Oliver, who also serves as the chair of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board, mentioned during the March 8 council meeting all frontline officers had received an initial round of vaccination.
“Now they’re moving to the rest of the civilian staff included as well,” Oliver said, adding individuals in these positions also have opportunity where they could be in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19.
In a statement to TBNewswatch.com, Thunder Bay Police Service said they have been working closely with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to begin the vaccination process for their members over the last few weeks.
“This process will continue,” the statement said.
Since the pandemic was declared last year, a few members of the police force have tested positive for the virus which has resulted from exposures both on-duty and off-duty.
“We have been proactive in our work with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to ensure that members of the public have not been put in any jeopardy by these exposures,” police said.
Oliver also advised paramedics are also being vaccinated as well.
Mayor Bill Mauro delivered a memorandum on Monday night providing an update from Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) in relation to police, fire and emergency medical service personnel receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
“OBCM continues their municipal advocacy efforts for inclusion of all first responders in Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccinations which includes police, fire service and emergency medical service staff,” Mauro said. “This position is supported by OBCM where a motion was passed at the last meeting which expressed its support for the inclusion of all first responders in the priority list of phase two of COVID-19 vaccinations.”
—With files from Ian Kaufman
