Current SDMAC recommendations include people over 70, educators, first responders, prisoners; not public transport, manufacturing or grocery workers
MADISON, Wisconsin – As the state begins to move towards Phase 1B of the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, grocery owners fear that their employees are being left behind.
This week, police and firefighters became the first eligible group at Level 1B to receive vaccines. State health officials are still finalizing which additional groups will join them. Public comments closed on Tuesday on recommendations from the State Disaster and Medical Advisory Committee to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The SDMAC vaccine subcommittee included people aged 70 and over, congregated groups including those who are incarcerated, first responders and educators in its 1B recommendations.
The state has the final say, and grocery stores, including Roundy’s Supermarkets, which owns Pick ‘n Saves, are calling on Governor Tony Evers to include grocery workers in the next round of vaccine eligibility.
“I just don’t think there is a public place where more people meet than a supermarket,” said James Hyland, vice president of public relations at Roundy’s. “Our people have been called heroes for many months.”
Hyland said the state’s biggest grocer brings 1.2 million people to its Wisconsin stores a week.
“This is not good for people’s morale. They have been working for many hours. They have been working for months under the pressure of risk, ”he said. “We had hundreds of people who chose not to take shifts because they didn’t want to be exposed to the virus.”
Following health professionals who are part of Level 1A, many traders expected their employees to be included in Level 1B after reviewing federal guidelines on vaccine distribution.
“(Grocery workers) have been essential since March,” said Wisconsin Grocers Association president Brandon Scholz. “(The grocers are) incredulous. They are shocked. Since March, they have done everything they should be doing and more. “
Scholz said that these efforts have made a difference, but despite all health precautions, it is impossible to completely block public officials against COVID-19.
“Yes, people got sick,” he said. “Yes, people have been hospitalized.”
He and grocery stores, including Roundy’s Supermarkets, sent letters to the state asking about 60,000 workers in Wisconsin supermarkets to be part of Level 1B – not just for the safety of the workers themselves.
“Employers are concerned about this and consumers must be concerned,” said Scholz. “If you’re a buyer … you really need to be concerned about that.”
“We try to protect not only our people, but also our customers,” said Hyland. “The sooner we can get the vaccine, the less the virus will be transmitted.”
The SDMAC vaccine subcommittee meets again on Tuesday at 7 am
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