LEE COUNTY, Fla. The phone line set up to take bookings for those who want to receive a Covid vaccine in Lee County quickly reached their capacity after it was launched on Monday.
Within the first 30 minutes after the telephone line came into use, there were an average of 50,000 calls per minute, with a peak recording of 84,000 calls per minute, the country reported.
According to the province, the discussion line has been closed because all 5,000 doses available this week have been scheduled. These doses will be administered in appointments scheduled until Thursday.
Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman said he understands people are frustrated that they could not make an appointment, but with a population of more than 200,000 people aged 65 and over in Lee County, it is not a surprise that demand exceeded supply.
Provincial officials said people could stop calling the discussion line for now. The line of discussion will reopen when the state allocates more vaccines to Lee County.
More than 100 employees were ready to take bookings as the booking system went into effect Monday afternoon. Representatives will still work with callers today, although the center does not accept additional calls.
Anyone requesting a call to finalize the discussions must make sure he answers the call, otherwise he loses his place, Tidal Basin CEO Dan Craig said. Tidal Basin is the provider that provides the call center.
Any health professionals up front and those 65 years and older could make an appointment for the Covid vaccine for an appointment during the scheduled dates and hours. This vaccination site COVID-19 is only open to people who make appointments.
For the coming week, anyone considered a health worker at the front or 65 or older has been asked to make a reservation using the toll-free number 1-833-618-2001 from Monday afternoon. The TTY (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) number is 787-522-5904.
Booking dates and hours for this week include:
- Tuesday 5 January – 10:00 to 16:00
- Wednesday 6 January – 08:00 to 18:00
- Thursday 7 January – 08:00 to 18:00
The vaccines are being administered in the North car park opposite the Old Terminal at RSW, 16000 Chamberlin Parkway. The site is east of I-75, off Daniels Parkway, and messages send traffic to Paul J. Doherty Parkway.
More locations and dates will be announced later. Everyone who receives the vaccine is asked not to arrive earlier than 45 minutes before your appointment. According to the province, no one will have to come earlier or wait overnight.
The sheriff of Lee County said they will be on site for safety and to help with traffic control.
According to Lee County officials, 640 residents of Lee County have been vaccinated so far.
Click here for more information on the COVID-19 vaccination site.