At Monday’s meeting of the Covid-19 Task Force, concerns of the private sector regarding ongoing plans for the mass vaccination stand down and the potential impacts on the economy during the Territory’s busiest time for commerce, we’re discussed.
Reports from the Chamber of Commerce and other private sector leaders following meetings with several members of the Fono included an analysis on potential economic impacts and recommendations for decision makers to consider.
Such options and recommendations for the mass vaccination efforts as suggested by GHC Reid CEO Olivia Reid include conducting mass vaccinations at the schools to target a large portion of the unvaccinated.
Another is to break up the proposed schedule or consider vaccinating on weekends when families are likely to be at home as opposed to three consecutive weekdays during regular government and business hours.
Chamber President Kuaea stated that if the government and schools are closed for three days, private sector employers will still be impacted due to inadequate child care options for their employees.
Dr Francine Amoa stated that the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11 year olds have been confined to the clinics to ensure that the limited and trained medical professionals are available on site to monitor any potential adverse reactions.
“The goal is to integrate the Covid vaccine into the ongoing vaccination operations and schedule. We’ve previously spent 7 consecutive weeks of Saturday vaccination schedules covering the eastern, western, and central areas of the island and were able to vaccinate only 900 individuals. There’s no guarantee that we are going to get 6,000”, Dr Amoa stated in response to the recommendation of Saturday vaccinations.
Representatives of Congresswoman Aumua Amata’s Office and the Senate expressed opinions about residents that resist or refuse the vaccine. In response, Task Force Chairman, Lt Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale made it clear that the Governor does not intend to force vaccinations on residents.
“It is not the Governor’s intention to force or punish anyone for refusing to take the vaccine. The idea behind the three day stand down is to provide every resident in the Territory the opportunity to get vaccinated”, declared Talauega.
Concluding the meeting the chairman pointed to the complexity of the work and issues that the Task Force must deal with and thanked members for their valuable input especially those from the Fono, Congresswoman’s Office, and the private sector.
“A decision will be made at some point considering all sides and viewpoints expressed today.”
