Cops chase off crowd seeking covid19 jab at Diego health centre

POLICE were called in to disperse a group which gathered at the Diego Martin Health Centre on Monday after rumours spread that covid19 vaccinations were being given there on a "first come, first served" basis.

A false message circulating on WhatsApp said this health centre was giving vaccines to people under 60 and walk-ins. The Ministry of Health posted on its Facebook page that the message was not true.

That, however, did not stop scores of people from going to the health centre, on Wendy Fitzwilliam Boulevard, Diamond Vale, hoping to get the AstraZeneca jab immediately.
Salisha Baksh, acting CEO of the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA), told Newsday when staff at the health centre told people the vaccine was not available for walk-ins, some reacted belligerently and refused to leave.

At this stage, the police were called in and officers later dispersed the crowd. No arrests were made.