People employed in Tobago’s tourism and construction sectors will be prioritised as the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) continues to roll out its vaccination programme.
The move came after several officials including those from the Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association (THTA) and the Tobago Business Chamber called on Health Officials to move to intensify vaccination in particular sectors ahead of the government’s plan to reopen the country’s national borders in the next four to six weeks.
The first call came from THTA Vice President Carol Ann Birchwood- James who described Tobagonians employed in the tourism sector as “frontline workers” as they are the first interface with domestic and international visitors.
James also called on the island’s health authorities to intensify its vaccine sensitisation campaigns.
According to a release from the TRHA those in the construction and tourism sectors will be vaccinated beginning from Saturday, June 12.
“Special arrangements are being made for persons who work in those sectors to receive their vaccines at designated locations and times, workers will be informed directly when they can take their vaccines.”
Thus far there are 207 Tobagonians fully vaccinated and 6,226 who have received the first dose of the vaccine on the island.
Meanwhile, Tobago’s COVID-19 figures continue to fluctuate with 33 new cases recorded yesterday.
This follows lows of three and two cases being recorded on June six and seven respectively.
The number of active cases on the island currently stands at 171.
During the most recent TRHA news conference, officials announced a change in policy where patients who are positive and asymptomatic will now be required to self-isolate at home.
The TRHA will now only house people who are at risk; those who are 60 years and over with comorbidities, and those who cannot effectively isolate at home.
There are currently 129 persons in home isolation in Tobago.
Health officials are also urging members of the public to report people who are suspected of being COVID-19 positive and are spotted outside of home isolation.