Island Health has permanently closed one mass vaccination clinic in the Comox Valley as warm temperatures in the area didn’t allow Glacier Gardens Arena in Comox to stay cool.
On Tuesday (July 6), Island Health confirmed the closure of the arena location and noted the clinic at the Florence Filberg Centre (411 Anderton Ave.) in Courtenay will remain open for the foreseeable future.
The Filberg clinic opened temporarily from July 1 to 5 for those who had booked their COVID-19 vaccination appointments as the arena did not have air conditioning.
“They weren’t able to keep (Glacier Gardens) cool on our hot days,” said Christina Lumley, Island Health director of mass immunization. “We moved here last night (Thursday, July 1) and we are happy to be in the air-conditioned space.”
A spokesperson at Island Health also said all people with appointments booked at Glacier Gardens should instead go to the Filberg Centre site, even if they receive a text or email advising them to go to Glacier Gardens.
The health authority added they will have more information on permanent clinic locations for the Comox Valley in the days ahead.
Anyone with cancelled appointments will be contacted directly by Island Health to reschedule.
“We acknowledge this may be frustrating for some people and we ask for patience and understanding as we move through the effects of this extreme weather event and plan to continue immunizations through the summer,” said a statement released by Island Health. “We also want to acknowledge and thank our staff and volunteers for continuing to adapt during these recent challenges.
“The health and safety of our clients, staff and volunteers is a top priority for Island Health. Island Health will continue to carefully monitor the situation and conditions at all immunization clinics. Please continue to monitor islandhealth.ca and our social media for the latest updates.”
RELATED: Comox Valley vaccination bookings being rescheduled due to heat wave
terry.farrell@blackpress.ca
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