Non-vaccinated people will not get employment in tourism sector: ABHTA

As the Caribbean is looking forward to welcoming the tourism season in the coming months, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) have taken a decision not to employ non-vaccinated individuals. The decision has been taken by considering the high demand for cruise ships demanding vaccination of tourist sector employees to provide a safer environment for all. The new limitation by ABHTA will only be applicable to the hotels falling under the association. The executive chairperson stated that the decision had been taken to safeguard the staff as well as incoming visitors. ABHTA have encouraged the remaining 45% of the current staff to get their coronavirus vaccines, so they get to keep their jobs. It is significant for people associated with the tourism sector to get their coronavirus vaccine as the tourists arriving from around the world might resist residing or visiting locations of people without a vaccine. The decision by ABHTA would encourage more people to receive the coronavirus vaccine to remain employed in the tourism sector, which contributes highly to the Antigua and Barbuda economy.

Even though Antigua and Barbuda recorded 1240 coronavirus cases, it is still a priority of the tourism and government organizations to immunize at least 70% of the population to achieve herd immunity.

On Thursday, the entire government cabinet members received their second dose of the vaccine, while other parliament members are anticipated to get the jabs on Friday and Saturday.

Antigua and Barbuda is using Oxford Astrazeneca coronavirus vaccines received from India and COVAX.