VANCOUVER —B.C.’s construction organizations want workers to know they have a fast lane to COVID-19 vaccinations. All they have to do is show up.
“We have enormous respect for our workforce and the essential contribution they’ve made to B.C.’s economy by working throughout pandemic,” said Chris Atchison, BC Construction Association president. “We want to help them stay healthy and hope that workers who haven’t had the chance to get their first dose yet will take advantage of this fast-track opportunity. We’re making it as easy as we can – just head from your worksite to a participating clinic and get it done.”
Three clinics in Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions will be setting up fast lanes for construction workers who show up for their first dose on certain dates and times. No registration or appointment is needed.
Workers should wear their hard hat, bring their jobsite access identification or another construction-related identification to access the fast lane.
The BCCA worked with the Vancouver Regional Construction Association to choose clinics with a proximity to a high density of construction workers jobsites. The groups also worked to find times that would be convenient for construction workers’ schedules.
Workers are encouraged to bring government identification or their personal health number, but it is not required. If the fast lane dates are well-attended BCCA will work with the Provincial Health Office to schedule more.
The BCCA stated it’s extremely important that workers get vaccinated in order to keep sites safe from COVID-19 and variants, noting that COVID exposures will result in site closures.
The program is also receiving support from the Council of Construction Associations and the BC Construction Safety Alliance.
The fast lane services will be available at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver, the Abbotsford Ag-Rec Building and the Fortius Sport and Health Centre in Burnaby. The dates will be June 24, 25 and 30 as well as July 8 and 9. The fast lane will be active from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
I am surprised that in the story “Just Show Up” you show a worker with a full beard. It’s enough of a challenge to get workers to be clean-shaven, ready to don a respirator (protection against silica dust), without trade associations seemingly promoting the beard fashion.