At this time, vaccinations continue to be offered to eligible Phase 1 populations at hospitals, mobile clinics and mass immunization clinics.

Toronto residents born in 1941 or earlier can now book appointments for three City mass COVID-19 immunization clinics opening March 17, two clinics opening March 29, and one clinic opening on April 5. To register click here.

In addition, as noted in my last email, over 325 pharmacies in Toronto, Windsor, and Kingston are now offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to eligible Ontarians aged 60-64, by appointment only, as part of the vaccine delivery pilot. All vaccinations available through pharmacies will require an appointment to be made in advance. Eligible adults aged 60-64 (if you are 60-64 as of the day of vaccination or, if you will be, or have been, 60-64 in 2021) who are interested can visit ontario.ca/pharmacycovidvaccine to find a participating pharmacy.

The Ontario Government is preparing to move into Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan next month, with a focus on vaccinating populations based on age and risk. Over 120 mass immunization clinics are planned to open this month across Ontario in addition to the many sites already open, increasing the province's vaccine administration capacity to over 150,000 doses per day, dependent on supply.

Ontario is becoming one of the first jurisdictions in Canada to offer high school students in the province second-language courses in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes quebecoise (LSQ).

Starting in September 2021, high schools may offer American Sign Language as a second  language and Langue des signes québécoise langue seconde to provide students with the opportunity to develop new language and conversation skills, gain cultural understandings, and learn about ASL or LSQ literary works and texts.

ASL and LSQ are distinct languages, each with unique histories, cultural references and distinct grammar and syntax. To ensure linguistic accuracy, and to include authentic ASL and LSQ stories, the Ministry of Education consulted with the ASL and LSQ communities on the course content. 

The Ontario government is investing more than $300,000 in mental health services to help young people access supports to help manage stress, depression and anxiety. The funding is being provided through the Ontario Together Fund to help Stella's Place hire more personnel to expand its online app services across the province. Stella's Place is a Toronto-based, registered charity and non-profit organization that provides mental health services and programs for young adults aged 16 to 29.