It was a special morning for a number of North Bay area residents who arrived to get their first COVID-19 vaccine shot at Memorial Gardens.
David McKee, an 82-year-old retired man who enjoys curling, was impressed with the setup coordinated by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the City of North Bay inside the hockey rink on Chippewa Street.
"Today I found it very comforting how well organized everything was," he said.
"It went really smooth. I have to commend those who volunteered and helped set up the system. It worked very well."
McKee says COVID-19 has not stressed him out that much, but he's glad to get that first vaccination.
"It feels reassuring that we now do have some additional protection," admitted McKee.
"My only concern is the second shot being almost four months after the first."
Souji, the daughter of Satyath Kalahastey, helped escort her 83-year-old Mother through the process.
"Yes, it gives us a lot of relief and now she will be safe when we are able to get together with groups," Souji said.
Ed Vitunski got his shot today and his wife Carol will receive her injection next Monday.
"I am happy we got it so quickly and online it went well, the facilities are good, no problems not all," said Vitunski.
"It has been a long year not being able to get together with family and friends so you are trying to do the best you can and stay housebound but it does get you down after a while."
See related: Heath Unit to see 5700 residents next week
See related: Mass immunization clinics for those born before 1941 begin Monday
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is expecting to vaccinate more than 1,700 residents in the region on Monday.
They are hoping to vaccinate more than 5,500 residents by the end of the week.
