The province has announced their intentions to provide first vaccine doses to residents, staff and caregivers at all Ontario nursing and high risk retirement homes by February 15th.
The plan builds on the province's earlier promise to bring vaccines to such facilities in hot spot areas by January 21st.
The province also announced intentions to vaccinate up to 8.5 million people in Phase Two of their vaccine rollout plan.
At a press briefing today, Premier Doug Ford says now that Phase One of the plan has gotten started, the province is getting ready for Phase Two.
"We know this second phase will be an even larger logistical undertaking than the first. That's why we're ramping up our capacity on the ground to ensure these vaccines are administered quickly, beginning with the people who need them most."
Phase One of the vaccine rollout is aiming to get 1.5 million people vaccinated, with priority being given to healthcare workers as well as staff, residents and essential caregivers at long-term care homes.
The province says that groups who will be eligible to receive doses in the second phase include people over 80, individuals in high-risk congregate settings, individuals with high-risk chronic conditions and their caregivers, and frontline essential workers, including first responders and teachers.
Deputy Premier/Health Minister Christine Elliott says that with limited supplies, protecting the most vulnerable is a top priority.
"We are prepared for the next phase in our vaccine distribution plan, but with limited supplies, our focus will be on vaccinating our seniors and frontline essential workers."
Phase two is expected to begin in April, and Phase Three may begin as early as August.
The province intends to add more vaccination sites in anticipation of Phase Two.
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