Ford asks hotspot workplaces to fund their own COVID-19 vaccination sites

The Ontario government has opened the door for large workplaces in COVID-19 hotspots to volunteer to run their own pop-up immunization clinics.

The businesses hosting the clinics will be responsible for funding them, operating them, and liaising with local public health authorities to make sure standards are enforced.

“These clinics will be set up, operated and funded by participating employers within hot spot areas and will vaccinate employees aged 18 and over as well as members of the local and neighbouring communities,” according to a Government of Ontario news release.

Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference Tuesday that these clinics will be a coordinated effort between business and local health units, adding a handful of employers he’s spoken with so far have expressed interest.

“I have yet to have one person say they’re not interested,” he said.

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No details have been announced yet about any upcoming employer-based vaccination clinics.

Solicitor General Jones added these employer-led clinics will add capacity and get people immunized faster.

“These businesses openly wanted to be willing partners,” she said. “It means their employees and communities are going to be better protected.”

The provincial government outlined several criteria for employers interested in setting up their own clinics:

• The workplace must be located within an identified hotspot community and have had a previous COVID-19 outbreak or is at risk of an outbreak.
• The onsite clinic will vaccinate employees that cannot work at home.
• The employer will also vaccinate those in the local community, either at the onsite clinic or an alternative location in consultation with the local public health unit.
• The employer will take on the responsibility of setting up, operating and funding the onsite vaccination clinic as well as the community clinics being sponsored if not onsite.

Employers can enquire about hosting an onsite clinic by emailing  covid19vaccinetaskf[email protected].

Ford and Jones spoke from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto, where a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic will begin Wednesday.

The province is focusing on vaccinating people in hotspot neighbourhoods, those with underlying health conditions, and essential workers during Phase 2 of its vaccination plan.

Ford also showed up to Tuesday’s news conference with a fresh haircut, even though hair salons are currently closed due to the province-wide Stay-at-Home order.

He revealed his daughter who lives at home used dog clippers to cut his hair.

“As much as my daughter did an incredible job for a rookie … My heart breaks for these barbers and hairstylists that have been shut down. I’m going to do everything I can to get you back open.”