A number of leading hospitality businesses have join together in calling on State and Federal Governments to extend priority COVID-19 vaccinations to younger hospitality workers.
A letter from Mr Yum to Greg Hunt the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, which has now been signed by more than 150 hospitality businesses says the move to prioritise hospitality workers is crucial to helping ensure the sector helps stop the spread of COVID-19, but will also lend key support to a sector which has been hit so hard by the pandemic.
The letter states: “[This] group echoes calls made recently by the Australian Medical Association that urged the Federal Government to focus on the vaccination of mobile younger Australians who often fill essential worker jobs, including potentially broadening the definition of essential.
“Following the rationale of extending priority vaccination to younger supermarket workers and delivery drivers, it makes sense to improve protection for hospitality staff who have concentrated exposure to customers and food service.”
The letter adds: “Increasing vaccination rates among hospitality workers is key to helping Australia move through the Government’s four-phase plan to reopening as safely and swiftly as possible.
“Hospitality workers are willing and eager to get vaccinated, get back to work and see hospitality revive while working within Government regulations and their COVID-Safe plans. Strengthening their protection will better protect us all.”
By Andy Young
