All emergency workers should get vaccine as a priority, says candidate for North Yorkshire crime commissioner

All emergency workers should be among those first in line for the coronavirus vaccine.
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That’s the call from Labour’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner candidate for North Yorkshire, Alison Hume, who is calling on the Government to prioritise the vaccination of every first responder.

Her call comes following reports of police elsewhere in the country being infected with coronavirus after being spat at.

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“None of our emergency workers should be exposed to such risk,” said Ms Hume.

Alison HumeAlison Hume
Alison Hume

“We must protect our protectors.

“Currently hundreds of blue light workers across the country are off ill or isolating, placing enormous emotional pressure on families as well as creating more problems for the services.

“It’s clear that our first responders are at a higher risk of contracting and transmitting Covid-19 due to their increased level of exposure with the general public and the lack of regular testing.

“First responders risk their lives every day to keep the public safe.

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“It’s imperative that we ensure the protection and safety of emergency workers’ health while they carry out their jobs on the frontline.

“We need to limit the risk of officers easily contracting or transmitting Covid-19 to co-workers, their families, and the general public.

“Vaccinating our emergency responders will help us retain personnel and reduce sick-leave.

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“Critically, it’s important that the public has confidence knowing that first responders have been vaccinated, ensuring public safety.”

Ms Hume added it is not in the public interest to have a police force that is seriously debilitated by illness.

“We rely on the police and the fire service to be there when emergencies of all kinds arise – for their safety, the safety of their families and the general public they need to be joining our health workers in being cared for.”