Speaking at Thursday’s February 4, 2021, arrival of 8000 doses of the Vaccine, Hon Malone said that a total of 40,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines is the goal for the territory as part of UK directives to vaccinate some 100% of the VI population.

“First it was 80% of the population, now they (UK) are looking for the entire population because we already have facilities, we already set-up with COVAX, and we are trying to make sure that this is all done,” he said.

The Minister was at the time speaking on the tarmac at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island where he also referenced the safety of the vaccine, especially for older adults.

Hon Carvin Malone was at the time speaking on the tarmac at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island where he also referenced the safety of the vaccine, especially for older adults.

‘Gamechanger’ – Chief Medical Officer

Meanwhile, acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges said the arrival of the vaccines is a game-changer for the territory, “If we get as many persons in our population vaccinated as possible, it's going to change the way we handle or restrictions and all the other things we have to do with the COVID.”

“So for all purposes, we want to get as many persons in the population covered with the COVID vaccine. This is going to make sure that we have a large number of the population potentially immune,” he said.

According to Dr Georges, by having the population immune, economic benefits will come as the territory will be able to look at a full return to normalcy.

The Health Minister said the current batch of vaccines is being managed through a public/private partnership with RiteWay providing cold storage ahead of local distribution and vaccination.

Ating Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald E. Georges said the arrival of the vaccines is a game-changer for the territory.