Ontario's health minister says there is provision for enhanced vaccine supply in COVID-19 hot spots.
Sarnia-Lambton's numbers right now are among the highest in the province and, as of Monday, the county has moved into the most restrictive level in the colour-coded response framework.
Christine Elliott told Blackburn News that vaccine distribution is currently based on population.
"There is a provision, if an area is in a very difficult situation, for extra vaccines to be shipped," said Elliott. "It's very unfortunate that Lambton county had to move to Grey. I know that [Lambton Medical Officer of Health] Doctor Ranade indicated that it was very concerning because of the number of cases, including a growing proportion of variants of concern."
The minister said part of the problem with vaccine supply is that the province hasn't received large shipments yet. She said they've received assurances from Pfizer that it will be shipping large volumes very soon and they hope to have the province vaccinated within the next few months.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley has penned a letter to Premier Doug Ford saying Lambton has not been treated fairly on vaccine distribution compared to its immediate neighbours.
"I think if the government wants to send a clear message that they understand what's happening with the small business sector and what's happening in communities, then if a community like Sarnia-Lambton is moving into Grey we should then be given a priority for the vaccine to get that number down so we can get back into the Orange zone or even Green."
Some local businesses including a couple of fitness centres have said they are defying the law and staying open.
Personal care services are required to close under Grey-Lockdown. Karen Callies, the owner of About Face and Body, said small business owners are at their wit's end.
"People don't realize, when we're closed, we still have to pay our rent and power bill and all of that stuff," said Callies. "My employees are out of a job for the time being. So it hurts more than just me, all of these people are affected by it."
Mayor Bradley said he understands people are frustrated but he hopes businesses planning to defy the law think it through.
"The police and bylaw enforcement will have to make their judgement, they'll get no advice from city hall on that. I don't want to see anyone fined, I don't want to see anyone in a small business who has been struggling for a year get themselves into this situation. I hope they think it through about the consequences if they defy the law, but it is totally a non-political decision."
-With files from Sue Storr
