Antigua and Barbuda now giving the COVID vaccine to Tourism Workers
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has begun the COVID-19 vaccination process for frontline workers in the tourism industry.
Over 2,000 hospitality professionals across Antigua and Barbuda, including hotel workers, tour operators, and restaurant and retail employees, were vaccinated this past week. Additionally, 473 persons from the airline community also received their first doses last week, at the VC Bird International Airport. Amongst those given the opportunity to receive the vaccine were administrative, operations, and security staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, airline staff, concessionaires, ground handlers, taxi drivers, red caps, and tour companies.
In all, 23,000 of Antigua and Barbuda’s approximately 96,300 residents have been vaccinated, said officials, including health care workers, seniors and vulnerable citizens, educators, public sector employees, and the tourism segment employees.
It is of utmost importance for us to protect our employees,” said Alex de Brito, Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association. “Our industry cannot survive without their dedication, hard work, and commitment to seeing the Industry bounce back. With so many already taking the step towards vaccination, we are confident that our destination will have a positive image in the international travel media. Our message is definitely one that promotes the safety of our destination and the commitment that the Government has shown in reviving the economy of Antigua and Barbuda and getting us beyond the grips of the pandemic.”
“In March 2020, the pandemic forced the closure of our borders,” said Euletta Francis, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority. “Today, I am mindful that we are at this point having come through an extremely challenging year.”
“I am indeed grateful that employees who have sacrificed so much and overcome their worst fears during a difficult time got this important layer of protection in the fight against Covid-19,” Francis said.
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