Checklist for next vaccination group
As an 85-year-old Ottawa resident, I'm quite relieved to hear that the COVID-19 vaccination will be available to my age group in midMarch. Rather than listening to apologies after the fact for a bad experience for this vulnerable population, could I ask those responsible to keep the following in mind?
Do not ask us to arrange
■ our appointment by lining up in person, calling a phone number that puts us on indeterminate hold, or using a website that crashes due to high volume. Perhaps registering on a website using our Ontario health card number could work best, if properly planned.
I understand that one of the ■ three vaccination sites will be set up at Lansdowne Park. Many cannot afford the high parking fees at Lansdowne or navigate the below-ground parking maze. Arrange for volunteers or staff to direct traffic. Parking fees and tickets for all three sites should be forgiven during the clinic, possibly through a downloaded page placed on the dashboard.
Please provide adequate
■ seating for everyone waiting. My maximum standing time is about 10 minutes due to spinal issues. Many will come with disabilities, accompanied by a friend or family member.
And so on through the process. We have about three weeks to prepare, and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse — which might be just enough time. One more request: publicly announce which person, not committee, will be responsible for these logistics and the ensuing success, difficulties or fiasco.
Glen Milne, Ottawa