Disney Is Offering Coronavirus Vaccines to Cast Members
Disney is planning to reopen their theme parks located in different places across the United States, but they’re not just looking to reopen with a half-baked COVID-19 safety plan, they want to be prepared.
It’s a safety-first scheme, and it should be, Disney is a fun place to just relax and forget all the troubles of the outside world, no one wants to leave sick. That’s why strict social distancing is implied and the mask is still a requirement for entering their parks. Also, not all park features will be open to the public.
But that’s not all, Disney is now offering employees COVID-19 vaccines right on property.
Walt Disney World Health Service Team
The president of Walt Disney World, Jeff Vahle, shared the news on social media that the Walt Disney World Health Services Team has begun to offer cast members the option to get their COVID-19 vaccine. He also posted pictures of Cast Members receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations at Health Services facilities on site.
In one of those pictures, Jeff Vahle is pictured in front of a Health Services Unit where Cast Members can get the COVID-19 vaccine. There’s also a picture of a Cast Member filling out paperwork before he can receive the vaccine from Health Services Staff.
Vahle commented, “Sending a big thanks to our amazing Walt Disney World Health Services team as they provide Cast with another option to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. We are so pleased to help Central Florida in its continued fight to beat the virus!”
According to the information on Disney’s online employee portal, the company is offering limited COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Florida-based employees, active or furloughed. They’re assisting with COVID-19 vaccine distribution at the request of Osceola County and will be administering the Pfizer shot. The vaccine’s reach is expected to increase in the near future.
The president of a local hospitality union and former cast member, Eric Clinton, stated that it is a step in the right way toward not only fighting the virus, but also unemployment.
“The more shots we can get in arms, the more folks we can get back to work, the more people we can get into the theme parks and hopefully return to a new normal, whatever that is,” Clinton said.
“About three weeks ago, we, our organization, cast members, went to the entrance of Disney World and held a press conference calling on Gov. DeSantis to open up eligibility sooner for hospitality workers. Thankfully, he’s been able to open it up, now it’s open to everyone,” Clinton added.
Interested employees will have to schedule an appointment online before they can be approved to receive the vaccine.
Disney is Offering Payment to Workers Who Get Their Shot
Unite Here Local 362, a Cast Member union, recently announced that Disney will be giving select Cast Members four hours worth of pay if they get their vaccines before the end of September.
In a press release attached with the post, the union which represents attractions and custodial Cast Members, amongst others, will be eligible to receive the payment for getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Date of eligibility is stated to be from January 1st through to September 30, meaning that Cast Members who have formerly received the vaccine before the announcement are eligible to the offer as well.
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Photos credit: Deposit Photos