View From the Legislature

It is hard sometimes in the middle of a storm to see the other side. And as COVID-19 cases are rising in most places in the world and many families are dealing with the loss of a loved one, this feels like a particularly difficult time. And yet, even amid this storm, there are positive signs and reasons for optimism.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a worldwide effort focused on the development of a vaccine for COVID-19. In Canada, the federal government is responsible for securing vaccines and distributing them to the provinces. This past week, the federal government announced that Canada would be getting its first shipment of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as early as next week for usage pending approval by Health Canada. This could be followed by a vaccine from Moderna and others that may receive approval in the coming weeks. The first applications of the Pfizer vaccine began in Britain on Tuesday of this week.

While the federal government is responsible for procuring the vaccine for Canada, the provinces will be responsible for the distribution when approved. It is expected that because of worldwide demand, the first quarter of 2021 will see a relatively slow roll-out of the vaccines. Nonetheless, Manitoba has been preparing for months for a potential vaccine. The province has purchased all of the supplies needed to safely administer the vaccine to every Manitoban who chooses to receive it. As well, because the early vaccines require storage at extremely low temperatures, the first specialized freezer has been delivered and installed in Manitoba and four others are being delivered.

As the vaccine supply from the federal government expands over the coming months Manitoba will work to ensure that it is available to Manitobans at a larger number of sites around the province.

As well, last week it was announced that an increased focus on rapid testing would be taking place. A rapid testing pilot will begin in January for teachers in Winnipeg to coincide with the return of school after the break. It will then be considered for roll out further into the province. $40 million in rapid COVID-19 tests have been ordered and there are new community sites scheduled to receive increased rapid testing including in Steinbach.

The second wave of COVID-19 has hit most of the world hard and Manitoba has been no exception. But even in this difficult time, it is important to see the advancements that are happening that give us reasons to be optimistic for better days ahead beyond the pandemic. If you would like more information about the upcoming COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Manitoba, visit manitoba.ca.