The smile on Daryl Petsul’s face was obvious even through his mask.

Petsul, Quesnel’s Health Services Administrator, and other health administrators were on hand to witness the opening of the mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic inside Arena 2.

Before needles went into arms, a performance by the Nazko Drummers, led by Chief Leah Stump, marked the clinic’s opening. Stump also performed a smudging ceremony at the vaccination space earlier in the day.

“This is a shot in the arm,” Quesnel city Coun. Mitch Vik quipped after the ceremony.

Petsul said 260 people have been booked for the first day of the clinic, and Northern Health immunizers are aiming to immunize 360 people per day with the vaccine.

As of April 1, only 1,000 people in Quesnel had been immunized.

Petsul said Northern Health has established a standby list to ensure every vaccine can be used.

With 12 vaccination stations and plenty of space for distancing and expansion on the arena floor, Arena 2 could be bustling. Officials said if supply increased, they could likely double the number of stations inside the arena.

“We’re giving it out as fast as we get it,” Petsul said.

READ MORE: Quesnel vaccinations ramp up, offer ‘light at the end of the tunnel’

Quesnel Cariboo Observer