Margaret Watson was all smiles Monday as she received the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine.

Monday morning brought a ray of hope to Oakview Place in Winnipeg. The 94-year-old resident is the first personal care home resident to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Watson is excited to see her family, particularly her daughter and granddaughter, again.

watson vaccine(WRHA/Twitter)

The resident told witnesses that she is most excited about the prospect of "getting out" thanks to the vaccine. The 94-year-old is one of the thousands of seniors who have been couped up due to concerns over the pandemic. Watson was chosen to be the first as she did not have any risk factors and was able to make the choice to be vaccinated without any additional signatories.

Last week Extendicare, the company that owns Oakview, told CHVN they were excited about the "long-awaited milestone." A spokesperson says that they were delighted to be named as one of the first locations to receive the vaccination. 

Six other personal care homes are receiving the vaccine this week. In 28 days, the province hopes to provide all PCH residents who wish to have one with their first dose of the vaccine. An estimated 9,834 people will receive the vaccine.

Oakview will also be receiving a CoVisitation Shelter in the near future. The $17.9 million project was put on pause in the fall, but last week, the Province of Manitoba announced it would be starting back up to allow those on care to visit with more than just their designated care person.