Premier Doug Ford toured University Health Network’s refrigeration storage while announcing his government will identify “very shortly” which hospitals will store the Pfizer COVID vaccine.

“I can’t give you the exact time right now, but as soon as it lands it’s going to be out the door, we have a great team and we’re going to get it into people’s arms as quickly as possible,” added Ford.

The province is reaching out to officials in both the United Kingdom, the first to administer the vaccine, and the United States, to make sure Ontario is prepared when the first doses arrive here.

U-H-N President and CEO Dr. Kevin Smith says these freezer units will serve an important role beyond vaccine storage.

“These will be all over Ontario, all over Canada very soon, and the good news is, when this is done, and it’s all behind us, these will great for our research enterprise,” said Dr. Smith.

There are 21 Ontario hospitals with deep freeze capabilities which is where the Pfizer vaccine must be stored.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says they’re watching the U.K. vaccine rollout closely to determine whether the Pfizer vaccine can be moved and potential side effects.

Meanwhile, Canadian officials are signalling they do not expect disruptions in the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines as a result of actions taken by Donald Trump.

He’s expected to sign an executive order this afternoon to ensure American are first in line for vaccine doses made in the U.S.