D.C.’s grocery store workers and those employed in the manufacturing and food packaging industries are now eligible to receive coronavirus vaccinations.
The mayor’s office said grocery store workers can start scheduling appointments beginning Thursday. That group includes workers at large chain stores, superstores, convenience stores, neighborhood markets, bodegas and delis.
Health and human services and social services outreach workers, individuals who work in manufacturing, and individuals who work in food packaging are also now eligible.
The mayor said about 2,450 appointments will open up Thursday night for D.C. residents who live in priority zip codes, are 65 and older, or belong to an eligible workforce group.
On Friday, another 2,450 appointments will be available for those groups starting at 6 p.m.
The D.C. Department of Health said appointments will start opening up Thursdays and Fridays with an alternating weekly schedule. That means one week, slots will open up at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and then at 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday the following week.
As of Thursday, the city has administered roughly 128,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine, according to health department statistics.
Why hasn’t the Czar of Covid vaccine distribution suggested one sure way to vaccinate more Black people? Simply give us credit for the almost 5 year life-expectancy gap we all face at birth. A 70-year old African American would therefore become eligible in the same tier as 75-year old whites. No whites would be eliminated. Surely there are many more white 75-year olds than Black 75-year olds!! That small change would level the playing field for all Black and Latino populations. A little relief for those hit the hardest by this pandemic. It’s the data, right Dr. Fauci? Let the Czar know!!