Update on Targeted COVID-19 Equity Measures and Community Mobilization for Immunization

Based on Public Health data, this work prioritizes equity-deserving communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 in northwest and northeast Toronto, and the Thorncliff neighbourhood. Between the roll out of the Targeted COVID-19 Equity Measures on December 1, 2020 and March 11, 2021, 135,979 residents have been engaged and served, including: 22,353 seniors; 75,549 adults between the ages 30 and 64; 20,521 young people between the ages of 15 to 29; and 20,556 children. Among many supports, the program ensured: A steady increase in testing clinics: such as the 383 pop-up clinics in community centres; Wellness checks, peer supports, counselling and other formal and informal mental supports to 26,138 residents; Culturally-relevant and fresh food options, food hampers and meal delivery to 56,465 residents; and Emergency income support to 71 residents who are otherwise ineligible for existing federal and provincial benefits. This report also responds to Council direction, HL24.1 in December 2020, requesting Toronto Public Health and Social Development, Finance and Administration work to support community groups and other stakeholders to build knowledge and support for the City's COVID-19 immunization plan. The Community Immunization Engagement and Mobilization Plan builds on the City's Targeted COVID-19 Equity Measures by also leveraging community expertise and partnerships to facilitate and promote vaccine uptake across all of Toronto. The plan includes both a place-based approach to support residents in all 140 neighbourhoods of the city and a population-specific approach to reach specific communities hardest hit by the pandemic with the least structural access. For example, the work of the Black Scientists' Task Force on Vaccine Equity, for example, established as a targeted equity measure to support Black Torontonians, has created a 16-25% reduction in hesitancy to COVID-19 vaccination after town hall meetings throughout February and early March 2021. The work of the Community Immunization Engagement and Mobilization Plan is a key part of the City's efforts to ensure every resident in every corner of Toronto can access a COVID-19 vaccine.