India is realizing the importance of vaccinating aviation sector, and yesterday it stressed on prioritizing the aviation workers for early immunization .
The states should consider aviation workers as a priority group for anti-COVID vaccination program that is going to start from May 1, Aviation Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey told chief secretaries of all the states on Tuesday.
Aviation secretary's letter highlights, how essential Aviation sector has been since pandemic knocked the door ,
The aviation sector has been at the forefront to extend services to the movement of people, essential medical cargo, including vaccines, medicines, medical equipment, during the COVID-19 pandemic,
It also speaks about the vital role played by the indian Vande Bharat Mission and the lifeline Udan flights has been noteworthy.
"It is understandable that the crew, engineers, air traffic controllers, technicians, groundstaff and frontline workers in aviation face significant risk while discharging their duties," it said.
To ensure the sector continues to render essential services to the nation, it is imperative that the aviation workforce is covered on priority in the vaccination program, the statement stated.
As the vaccination drive for all above 18 years of age will be done from May 1, we would request you to kindly consider the personnel involved in aviation and related services like airlines, airports, maintenance, cargo, groundling agencies, feeling, security, catering, as a priority group, it said.
"This letter is copy to airport operators to effectively coordinate with concerned state governments for maximum coverage," the statement noted.
From May 1st onwards, india will remove the Age bar restriction for vaccination and will allow citizens above 18 years to be vaccinated, in a drive to fight Coronavirus.
Its worth mentioning, the south asian country saw a record single-day rise of 3,60,960 covid-19 cases, that increased the total tally to 1,79,97,267, while the death toll crossed two lakh following 3,293 fresh fatalities,as per the Indian health ministry data today.
Pictures : Suraj R , ICMR, india .
Quotes : MoCA , india.
