December 20, 2021

Confirmation of COVID-19 Omicron Variant in Grey Bruce, hockey hub and vaccine clinics for the week

The Grey Bruce Health Unit received lab confirmation a case of COVID-19 Omicron Variant has been identified in the community. The Omicron Variant was identified through diagnostic testing. It takes about 10-14 days for the results to return. The Omicron Variant is considered a variant of concern as it is more transmissible than prior variants.

In response to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases due to the emergence of the Omicron Variant, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, the Government of Ontario made a significant announcement regarding the acceleration of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots:

All Ontarians 18+ Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Appointments at Three-Month Interval | Ontario Newsroom

In collaboration with Bruce Power, local partners and volunteers, under the leadership and direction of the Grey Bruce Health Unit, a new strategy to respond to this increased eligibility and demand is being implemented. This partnership will enable a large volume of COVID-19 vaccines to be administered in the coming weeks and help defend against the Omicron variant.

Bruce Power is offering three central locations as mass vaccination clinics. We are evaluating the fit of these locations for clinic functions. These clinics will utilize the Hockey Hub model used in the spring and summer in Grey Bruce. This model of vaccine delivery has been used throughout Canada and internationally to significantly increase the capacity to vaccinate a large number of people in a short amount of time, saving lives.

Dr. Ian Arra, Medical Officer of Health at the Grey Bruce Health Unit thanks Bruce Power for its ongoing support, saying “Public health has been a leader in managing the pandemic, and by partnering with companies like Bruce Power, we are able to focus on administering far more doses safely and efficiently”.

Further details will be announced as plans for these new settings develop.

COVID-19 Vaccines continue to be available through scheduled vaccine clinics, as well as through participating pharmacies and primary care providers. Please contact your health care provide or visit their website to find out whether they are offering the COVID-19 vaccines.

Here is a list of GBHU Vaccine Clinics for the week of December 20-26:

For the week of December 20 – December 26, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will hold vaccine clinics at the following locations and times. Those receiving a third dose and those 5-11 years of age need an appointment. First and second doses for all individuals 12 and over do not require an appointment (walk-in).

Reminder: Individuals aged 18 can schedule their booster dose appointment through the Ontario’s booking portal, by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, participating pharmacies and primary care settings. Appointments will be booked three months (84 days) after a second dose as the province urgently expands booster eligibility to millions more individuals.

Clinic list is subject to change or cancellation with little notice due to weather or other reasons.

Monday, December 20
The Plex, 600 Tomlinson Drive, Port Elgin 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Frank MacIntyre Building, 220 Owen Sound St. Dundalk 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Tuesday, December 21
Shallow Lake Community Centre, 550 Princess Drive, Shallow Lake 12:00pm - 6:00pm
Durham Community Centre, 451 Saddler St. W., Durham 12:00pm - 6:00pm

For booster doses, all eligible groups must wait 84 days following their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in order to be eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. (example: If you got your second dose of your vaccine on September 25, 2021, you are eligible for a booster dose on December 18, 2021.

For those aged 5-11, the COVID-19 vaccines should be booked at least 14 days before or after other vaccines. Second doses for this age group MUST BE at least eight weeks after the first dose. Second dose appointments ARE NOT automatically booked when booking your first dose.

Washing hands frequently, watching distance (ideally 6ft), and correctly wearing a face covering protects against all forms of the COVID-19 virus. Vaccine is the best long-term defense. Both two-dose and third-dose vaccinations are effective in reducing the hospitalization rates from the Omicron Variant. We strongly recommend everyone to get fully vaccinated with 3 doses.

For an up to date list of clinics available, please review the Vaccine Schedule

Do not call the Health Unit to try and book an appointment. They are not able to book for you.

Individuals 12 and older still requiring first or second doses, do not need an appointment.

In addition, participating primary care providers and pharmacies may offer the COVID-19 for children and youth.

For detailed information about the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s vaccination process, and booking your vaccine, please review the Health Unit and Provincial website at:

For a current list of all clinics, please visit our weekly Clinic Schedule. Clinics are subject to cancellation due to weather.

At South Grey News, we endeavour to bring you truthful and factual, up-to-date local community news in a quick and easy-to-digest format that’s free of political bias. We believe this service is more important today than ever before, as social media has given rise to misinformation, largely unchecked by big corporations who put profits ahead of their responsibilities.

South Grey News does not have the resources of a big corporation. We are a small, locally owned-and-operated organization. Research, analysis and physical attendance at public meetings and community events requires considerable effort. But contributions from readers and advertisers, however big or small, go a long way to helping us deliver positive, open and honest journalism for this community.

Please consider supporting South Grey News with a donation in lieu of a subscription fee and let us know that our efforts are appreciated. Thank you.