Apparel work force nicely on track to achieve completion of COVID-19 vaccine second dose

Next up supply chain, service providers and workers’ families

Over 90 per cent of workers at apparel factories were vaccinated with one dose by September 9 while over 70 per cent of the workforce received both doses, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) said last week with regard to its member companies.

“At the current pace of vaccinations, we anticipate that the entire workforce will have received both doses by the end of September 2021,” they said.

JAAF member companies are also ensuring that companies involved in the supply chain, and service providers such as cafeteria services, security personnel and those who transport workers and material to and from the factories are vaccinated as well. Many companies have already begun this process, and have planned to complete vaccinating all such personnel very soon.

JAAF is exploring, in coordination with public health authorities, ways of increasing protection for the communities that factories and facilities are located in. The next step will be exploring how workers’ families can be vaccinated rapidly. In addition, factories are conducting continuous awareness programmes to keep workers informed of the current situation and the latest developments.

“We take the mental and physical wellbeing of our workforce very seriously, and are doing everything we must, to ensure the safety of our personnel. Members will keep the authorities and the public at large informed of further developments, periodically and we will provide updates on progress or changes, as appropriate,” JAAF said.