SI workers in Canada begin to get COVID-19 vaccines

CANADIAN Public Health Officials have started the process of vaccinating  Solomon Islands nationals in Canada against COVID-19 considered front-line priority workers.

The first shots of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered to a group of workers at a warehouse facility on Friday by Canada’s Public Health officials.

Workers who are employed in wholesale/warehousing, grocery store workers and those who are living in congregate housing have been identified as front-line priority workers.

For those in the above sectors, the employers are working with Canadian public health agencies to arrange for workers to be vaccinated.

Solomon Islands Hon. Consul-General to Canada Mr. Ashwant Dwivedi confirmed that as a result of the health policy by Canadian health official’s, seasonal workers from Solomon who are considered front – line priority workers have received their vaccine on Friday.

“ While some have received their vaccines on Friday, there are others that are in the que to get the COVID-19 vaccine in the coming weeks, Mr Dwivedi said.

“ Our nationals in Canada started receiving their vaccines on the same day the COVAX supported vaccine arrived in the Solomon Islands Friday afternoon. This is indeed great news that even seasonal workers in Canada from Solomon Islands are being vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine,” Mr Dwivedi said.

Mr Dwivedi said that he is encouraging everyone who gets the opportunity to get vaccinated.

“I urge all Solomon Islanders working in Canada to get vaccinated. This is an opportunity that you should not miss,” Mr. Dwivedi urged.

“ Any Solomon Islands national who is in Canada under the seasonal worker program and holds a valid work permit covered under the Medical Services plan will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” Mr. Dwivedi said.

He said that vaccination plans are administered differently by provinces across Canada.

Meanwhile Mr. Dwivedi is urging all Solomon nationals in Canada to continue to follow COVID protocols to ensure their safety and that of others.

” We are not out of the COVID threat as yet. Canada continues to record new cases each day. We all have a role to play. Wearing a mask and following public health orders remain an important part of the first and crucial step for fighting against COVID,” Mr. Dwivedi said.