Since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccine plan in December 2020, port workers are now placed in priority to be vaccinated
Latin America is an epicenter of the pandemic since last May, driven by Brazil’s massive outbreak.
Fortunately, the country has just kicked off its National Vaccination Plan, providing a gleam of hope to the virus-stricken republic. To date, Brazil is battling over 860,000 cases, with 8,300 patients in serious condition. The new virus variants have also taken root in the country.
In relation to the latest plan of prioritising port workers to be vaccinated, Portos do Paraná executives said, “Although there is no date for vaccinations to start, the group’s access to vaccine provides relief to these essential workers, who have continued working since the beginning of the pandemic.” The Port of Paranaguá is located in Paranaguá, in the Brazilian state of Paraná. It is the second largest port of Brazil in tonnage and the third in container shipping.
Welcomed relief
The Paraná State Health Department’s plan outlines the priority group which includes truck drivers, road and rail passengers, air transport workers, and port workers. This group alone reportedly comprises at least 51,637 workers.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Tarcísio Gomes de Freitas, said, “This is great news for our workers who continued, even throughout the pandemic, to provide a great service to our country. These professionals will have the support of the Federal Government to ensure vaccination as a priority group and we will ensure the safety and conditions they need to continue on roads, ports and railroads.” Port workers must prove they are part of the qualifying group to receive the vaccination.
Source:
Seatrade-Maritime