Recognizing Dr. Joss Reimer

Wednesday April 6, I spoke in response to a Ministerial statement to pay tribute to the work that Dr Joss Reimer has done during the pandemic. My comments are below.

Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, Manitoba Liberal MLAs join all other MLAs in recognizing the efforts and the achievements of Dr. Joss Reimer and her team in leading the effort to get as many Manitobans as possible vaccinated to protect them from COVID‑19 infections. It has been a major effort and has been very important in protecting all Manitobans from the serious impacts of the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus infection.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control in the United States clearly shows that unvaccinated people aged 12 years and older have a 21‑fold higher risk of dying from COVID‑19 and a seven‑fold higher risk of being hospitalized from COVID-19 than individuals who are vaccinated with a primary series and a booster dose. With such high risks it is important, as Dr. Reimer emphasizes it, that everyone who can get a booster dose as well as the primary vaccination series.

We thank Dr. Reimer, not only for her role in leading the rollout of the vaccination program, but also for her role in communicating effectively, including referring to the scientific basis for decisions which have been made.

As we all know, the job of controlling the COVID‑19 pandemic and protecting Manitobans is not over. The evidence, even though we're no longer getting the daily dashboard updates, suggests that we're likely entering the sixth wave. We should not let down our guard. We should continue to pay attention to masks and to improving ventilation. And with respect to ventilation, we still have a way to go to improve the ventilation in all schools.

Let us today honour and thank Dr. Joss Reimer for her tremendous contributions, which have been large and have been much appreciated. We wish Dr. Reimer well in her new position with the WRHA.

Thank you.

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