PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- While the number of people that have registered for the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing steadily and on Wednesday, March 17 passed 9.000, the aim of the campaign is to reach herd immunity, before the start of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.
Herd immunity can be achieved by vaccinating a minimum of 70% of the population, and thus, more registrations are needed so it's possible to scale up the vaccination process and meet this deadline, the Vaccine Management Team (VMT) said on Wednesday.
To encourage and assist people with their registration, the VMT is planning several outreach activities. For example, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Collective Prevention Service (CPS), the VMT is extending their information sessions, which were previously given to different community groups to various organizations. Information sessions have been planned or have already been given to the employees of Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, Port St. Maarten, the St. Maarten Fire & Ambulance Department, and Budget Marine, as well as many others.
It is beneficial for organizations to have their staff vaccinated and protected against the COVID-19 virus. First and most important, to safeguard the health of their employees and secondary, to prevent the burden for these organizations with respect to the loss of vital staff due to sick leave or quarantine.
Amongst the employees of the organizations that VMT has visited so far, it was noticed that there were still many persons who had questions about the COVID-19 vaccines and rollout plan on Sint Maarten. With all the fake news that is circulating, it is easy to get side-tracked.
VMT was very happy to offer the correct and science-based information during these outreach information sessions. The staff of the organizations that were visited so far, we're also very pleased with the information they received and the opportunity to ask questions. If other organizations would like to organize information sessions for their staff, they should send an email to: bvdmeijden@whiteyellowcrosscare.org
Additionally, the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) students have also offered their assistance and are currently orienting themselves to see if it is feasible to organize different information & registration stands at various public places throughout the country. At the aforementioned stands, persons can ask questions, get information flyers, and receive assistance with the registration process.
CPS is also planning an active outreach campaign as they have experience with community canvassing. They plan to go into the communities and talk to the people to inform them about the COVID-19 vaccine, answer questions that they might have, and help with the registration process for the vaccine.
The VMT hopes that with more information about the vaccine, and assistance in the registration process, more people will register for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The VMT urges everyone, to register, even though it is not their turn. Registration can be done via the online registration form which is available in English, Spanish, and Creole, and can be found via this link: https://forms.sintmaartengov.org/form.aspx?v=OGtn05kNmb
Both Cole Bay and Dutch Quarter Community Helpdesks are currently equipped to provide information and can assist with registration on the spot. Don't forget to check the opening hours and bring a form of identification. Lastly, the paper-based “COVID Vaccine Registration Form” can be picked up at several locations, including CPS at the Vineyard Office Park Building, the Division of Labor Affairs at the Simpson Bay Public Service Center in Simpson Bay, doctors’ offices, the Government Administration Building, and select pharmacies.
If you have a friend, parent, neighbor, or relative that may need assistance with registration, transportation, or emotional support, please do your part. If you need help with the registration process, your appointment, or wish for more information about the vaccination campaign, you can also call CPS at 914 or email: vaccination@sintmaartengov.org
Sint Maarten protected together.
Source: Souliga Newsday https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=35697:scdf-carnival-fd-disappointed,-but-will-move-on-and-reset&Itemid=450
