February 8, 2021

Grains transport workers in Argentina request COVID-19 vaccine priority

Argentina's main transport group, the Argentine Confederation of Transport Workers (CATT), has requested Argentina's government officials for their industry to be among the "vital activities" to have COVID-19 vaccine priority, Reuters reported.

Juan Carlos Schmid, leader of CATT, said they have requested priority for the COVID-19 vaccine as all transport related activities were declared essential, with all transport unions working since the start of the pandemic.

Argentina is the third biggest exporter of corn and number one supplier of soymeal livestock feed in the world.

Last month, truck drivers blocked access to several Argentine grains ports as part of a protest demanding lower taxes, tolls, and fuel prices.

Argentina uses the Sputnik V vaccine from Argentina, with 820,000 doses received to date for health workers. Millions more doses are projected to arrive over the coming months, to be channeled towards people over 60, education workers, and security forces.

- Reuters