Detroit expands Covid vaccine eligibility for industry workers

DETROIT – Manufacturing workers in the city, such as workers in the auto industry, are now eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine without any restrictions such as age or proof of pre-existing illnesses.

The increase in eligibility for Detroit manufacturing workers marks a major expansion for the auto worker’s eligibility for vaccination after similar actions by counties like Boone County, Illinois. It should help keep employees safe and car factories up and running.

The United Auto Workers union estimates that at least 10,000 of its members work in Detroit. A total number of industry workers living in the city was not immediately available.

Detroit’s launch of the Moderna and Pfizer two-dose vaccines will be conducted in a conference center as well as clinics for major manufacturing operations, starting with two SUV plants for Stellantis, formerly Fiat Chrysler. Industry employees who live or work in the city are eligible, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan announced on Tuesday.

“The automakers and the UAW have done a great job so far, but nothing is as good as vaccination,” said Duggan during a news conference that included UAW vice president Cindy Estrada, receiving a vaccine.

Detroit automakers implemented extensive safety measures and social detachment guidelines last year during a two-month shutdown of their factories to help slow the spread of Covid-19. The security measures implemented included plastic barriers, masks and other things, such as temperature protection and protocols when entering and leaving the factories.

“Industry workers, whether they are union members or not, have really been there during this whole pandemic at work, and it hasn’t been easy,” said Estrada. “We had diseases and deaths in our plants, so this is incredibly important.”

Less than 30 of the approximately 400,000 members of the UAW died due to Covid-19, according to union spokesman Brian Rothenberg. He said the union is working “with the White House, governors and all of our partners on vaccine distribution plans”.

Stellantis employees in Boone County, Illinois, were among the first automotive workers to receive Covid-19 vaccines. The company said it expects to “work with other health departments to make vaccines available to the rest of our Stellantis employees in accordance with local distribution plans.”

“Today’s announcement is an important step in protecting our employees and communities, so that we can return to the life we ​​all want to live,” said Stellantis in a statement.

Stellantis’ factories in Detroit, including a new facility that is not fully up and running, are among the largest manufacturing operations in the city. The company hopes to initially provide vaccination to 8,000 people.

General Motors also has a large factory in the city, but that facility is not temporarily producing vehicles until the end of this year due to construction.

Detroit administered 90,170 doses – 70.7% of the doses it received – and has more than 52,800 appointments scheduled, according to its website.