Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, has said Northern Ireland is witnessing a surge in first dose vaccination after the covid cert incentive was announced.
Speaking to ITV News, he said:
“100,000 doses of vaccine have been given in the last week alone. “We’ve seen 10,000 people come forward for first doses – that’s quite remarkable – and over 84,000 booster doses.”
He went on to say:
“I think people have delayed and I think people do recognise the fact that it is really, really important to get your vaccine, not just to protect yourself but others,” he said.
“But, also, it opens up that pathway into hospitality and I think there’s no doubt there is evidence that people will get the vaccine because they recognise that it opens doors into pubs and restaurants and allows people to get their lives back.”
However, last Saturday (20 November), hundreds gathered at the gates of the Belfast Continental Markets to protest the incentive with many calling the scheme discriminatory.
The scheme means that from 13 December, members of the public must produce either a Covid vaccination passport, negative lateral flow test result, or proof of covid infection within the past 6 months to enter hospitality and event settings.
Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill also took to twitter after the scheme announcement stating the scheme “sends a clear signal hat [the hospitality industry] are of no value or concern”.
