BAR OPERATORS AGREE TO VACCINATION OF WORKERS AS A CONDITION FOR THEIR REOPENING, REPORTS INFORMATION MINISTER NICHOLAS

 
Vaccination of workers may now be a prerequisite for the reopening of bars across Antigua & Barbuda.
 
This was announced by Minister of Information Melford Nicholas today, May 6, during the post-Cabinet press briefing.
 
Earlier this week, Nicholas, Health Minister Molwyn Joseph and Minister of Education Daryl Matthew held a virtual meeting with a representative group of bar operators to discuss their reopening.
 
Nicholas describes the meeting as fruitful and says the operators “were in step” with the Government in terms of adhering to the COVID-19 protocols to ensure they are operating safely.
 
He says the bar owners have no issue with the vaccination programme and agree that workers should be inoculated.
 
 
Nicholas could not give a definitive date for a second meeting with the operators, but says the Ministry of Health will lead the charge in this regard.
 
After being blamed for the increase in COVID-19 cases, bars were closed in March this year. Upon reopening, they will have to abide by the protocols and guidelines put in place earlier, including proper spacing and social-distancing mechanisms.
 
 
Meanwhile, in addition to bars, anyone working in the service industry will be subject to vaccination, Nicholas says