As COVID-19 vaccinations begin to be introduced worldwide, Singapore Airlines wants to be the first international airline in the world to have all its flight personnel and ground workers vaccinated against the deadly virus. Today, Singapore has launched a massive exercise to vaccinate 37,000 frontline aviation and maritime workers, hoping that all workers in these two key sectors will be vaccinated within two months.
Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung told reporters during a visit to the vaccination center at Changi Airport that so far 13,000 workers have registered to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. He said getting airline workers vaccinated on the front line was an important step in reviving Singapore as a major international airline after the devastation caused by the global pandemic.
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A safe travel center
If a large number of employees in the aviation and maritime sector are vaccinated, the minister said that,
‘Whoever gets through will know that it’s safe for our people to stick together and that we work together as a team.
“This is a huge advantage in terms of our brand.”
Mr Ong further said that Singapore Airlines could be the first airline in the world to vaccinate all its workers. He noted that although the virus may be under control in Singapore, it is spreading in other parts of the world such as a “Veld fire.”
“All of our 37,000 frontliners are defenders of our borders because those borders are a major vulnerability.” he said when he spoke to The Straits Times. He added that the government in Singapore had set aside enough doses of the vaccine to care for the country’s most important group of workers, and urged frontline workers to step forward.
When asked about workers who are reluctant to be vaccinated, Mr. Ong said that it will be some due to staff considerations, but that he expects the vast majority to be vaccinated.
‘So just start those who are willing to vaccinate, and over time, I think, the momentum will grow, the snowball will get bigger and bigger. From now on, the national policy remains that we do not make it compulsory even on a sectoral basis. ”
Terminal 4 can vaccinate 2,000 people a day
In a statement issued by the Singapore Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS), they want to point out that the testing center at Terminal 4 can currently vaccinate 2,000 people a day. It is further said that they want to build up the number.
Initially, about 20,000 aviation workers at the front will be preferred, including cabin crew, security guards, baggage handlers and cleaners; all workers who come into contact with travelers coming from high-risk countries. Meanwhile, the center in the Raffles City Convention Center, where maritime workers are vaccinated, can administer 1,000 sticks a day.
Recent COVID-19 infections in Singapore have been linked to aviation and maritime workers, with the most recent 13 cases involving the NewOcean6 bunker tanker. The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel also had to close for two weeks from January 8 after several people, including air crew and guests, tested positive for the virus.
Hong Kong travel bubble
Asked about the travel bubble in Hong Kong that was postponed in November due to an increase in business in the special administrative region of China, Mr. Ong said he prefers not to set a timeline.
“We have to take care of our situation ourselves, make sure we continue to keep our community affairs very low, and if the conditions are right, we have an agreement that is already on the table, and we can always activate it,” he said. he added.
The plan is to have at least eight vaccination centers in Singapore by the end of February and to have all citizens and permanent residents vaccinated by the third quarter of 2021.
Do you think other countries like Singapore should try to vaccinate the air and maritime workers in front of the general public? Tell us what you think in the comments.