News

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded, City Says Aggressive Calls to COVID-19 Hotline Not Tolerated

By James Cullum

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has expanded the eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations, and the city is warning that an increase in “abusive, aggressive, and disrespectful calls received by AHD’s COVID-19 Hotline” will not be tolerated.

“Those now eligible include people 65 and older, as well as Virginians 16 to 64 who have preexisting conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19,” the city reported. “AHD and the City will not tolerate the mistreatment of staff or volunteers, and abusive calls will be ended.”

Additionally, anyone who completed the city’s pre-registration form for Phase 1c but are now eligible for Phase 1b will soon be notified about scheduling an appointment for the first round of the inoculation.

The city says that anyone who makes such calls will be hung up on. Instead of calling the hotline, the city is asking eligible residents to register online.

Photo via CDC on Upsplash

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.