Food store workers are among the next in line for COVID-19 vaccines, as the city plans to deliver one million doses by the end of January.
This is part of the second phase of the vaccine launch, which also includes first responders, such as police and firefighters, teachers and pharmacists.
The first phase provided shots to frontline workers in ICUs and hospitals, workers and residents of nursing homes and EMS workers.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, our members, like many other industries, have been forced to go to work every day and have been exposed to much more than most other industries. So having them in the second phase creates a pretty good situation for them to stay healthy for themselves and their families, “said Robert Newell, president of UFCW Local 1500, which represents grocery store employees.
There are a total of five stages in the city plan. Most New Yorkers who are not essential workers or at risk will be vaccinated in the last phase. The chronology runs until September.