Over 2,000 Tourism Workers Vaccinated in Recent Vax Drive

Well over 2,000 tourism workers have been vaccinated using one of three vaccines made available to them at a number of strategic blitz sites, organized by the new tourism vaccination task force. The task force was established to facilitate the vaccination of all tourism workers island-wide.

Some 385 tourism workers were vaccinated on Friday, September 3, at the Moon Palace in Ocho Rios. There was a previous blitz at the resort where 320 workers received the jab and to date, 60% of its staff has been vaccinated.

This follows the vaccination of 1,200 workers at the Pegasus Hotel on August 30, and over two days Sandals Negril saw some 556 tourism workers taking their jabs.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett toured one of the sites on Friday, September 3. According to Minister Bartlett, the willingness of the workers is indicated by the turnouts. The Minister notes that the aims is to have an estimate of 7 centers across the island, with the turnout of 500 to 600 workers a day. Minister Bartlett adds that the aims is to not impose on the existing infrastructure for the vaccine administration and take-up.

Meanwhile, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, (JHTA) Clifton Reader, is encouraging workers to take advantage of the vaccines available. Reader notes that vaccination will be the only way to resuscitate the tourism sector.

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