Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh has chosen to withhold comments on his expectations of opposition support on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations.
Questioned by Guardian Media on his expectations for opposition support on the matter if it becomes a necessary step, Deyalsingh said: “Let’s cross that bridge when we come to that.”
“Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves but let’s get the message out (to) get vaccinated.”
He said the Prime Minister and Attorney General are currently exploring the possibility by studying similar policies around the globe. However, he continued to urge citizens to come forward and get their jab while it’s voluntary.
“The vaccine can save your life. Don’t wait to be a statistic to be sorry you didn’t take it because you paying attention to some online blog or some anti-vaxxer. Right now, it is voluntary- take it,” he said. He was speaking to Guardian Media after paying a visit to the mass vaccination site at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Friday.
Despite governments exploration of mandatory vaccinations, Deyalsingh noted vaccine hesitancy appears to be in the minority at this time as he described the nation’s turnout as “phenomenal.” “What the turnout is saying (is) whilst there is some vaccine hesitancy, there is much more vaccine acceptance. People are getting the message more and more,” he said
The Prime Minister floated the possibility of mandatory vaccinations if necessary on Thursday. But the notion which infringes on human rights has since divided the population. If it is to be enacted, it will require a three-fifths majority in parliament, according to Political analyst Dr Hamid Ghany.
Reporter: Rishard Khan
