Ok Tedi mine starts vaccines booster programme

STAFF members of the Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) and people living near the mine have been taking Coronavirus (Covid-19) booster jab to protect themselves during the pandemic.
OTML started the Covid-19 vaccine booster programme in Tabubil last week following the all-clear directive from the National Pandemic Response Controller.
The company conducted an awareness on the vaccine booster vaccination programme at the Tabubil Hospital. OTML managing director and chief executive officer Musje Werror received the first booster jab watched by mine workers and hospital staff.
He urged OTML employees, contractors, and members of the community to get the boosters jab.
“The Covid-19 continues to cause challenges in all the countries around the world,” Werror said.
“New variants are emerging affecting the lives of people. The vaccines remain the best defence to preventing serious illness or deaths.
“And as a responsible company, we have made the vaccines available on site.”
Around half of the 8,000-plus OTML employees have been vaccinated and eligible for the booster jab.
Werror said the company policy on voluntary vaccination remained but urged workers to be wary of the new Covid-19 variant Omicron.
“We are not going to force people to get vaccinated, but we hope with the awareness and what is happening around the world, people will make the right decision,” he said.