SeedCo plans to secure Covid-19 vaccines for workforce

Oliver Kazunga, Senior Business Reporter
LEADING seed producer, SeedCo, plans to procure 10 000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines for its workers and key stakeholders as part of efforts to promote public health and safety.

Starting from 1 August 2021, the company will also be sending unvaccinated staff on leave and require negative PCR test results from the same group upon entry of company premises.

Companies such as TelOne and the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) have already adopted the “no jab no entry” policy.

In an internal notice seen by Business Chronicle, Seed Co said while it was the right of an individual to choose not to be vaccinated, it would also exercise its right to protect vaccinated staff by barring entry unvaccinated workers and other stakeholders.

“In addition, the board approved the purchase of 10 000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines for staff and key stakeholders.

“The rollout of the vaccinations has started and there is no excuse for anyone at SeedCo not to be vaccinated as we thrive to create a Covid-19-free workplace,” said the company.

Staring this coming Sunday, all unvaccinated employees will be sent on leave and will be asked to produce Covid-19 vaccination certificates or negative PCR certificates taken within 24 hours at their expense as and when they come to the factory.

Last week, the Public Service Commission (PSC) directed all civil servants to be vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the private sector has announced that it is targeting to import an estimated one million Covid-19 vaccine doses to complement Government efforts in containing the spread of the deadly pandemic. — @okazunga.