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

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.

Yesterday the @GovernorVA announced that the ongoing Phase 1B of vaccinations will now include those 65 and older, as well as those 16 to 64 who have vulnerable conditions.

Alexandrans may register online to be notified when vaccine supply is available.https://t.co/pTsi540RMl

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) January 15, 2021

City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Expanded Phase 1b Eligibility; Curative Testing Kiosks Closed on January 20; Aggressive Calls Not Tolerated; Workforce Rapid Reskilling Cohort for Ages 50+: https://t.co/vdvBVzabSo.

— AlexandriaVAGov (@AlexandriaVAGov) January 15, 2021

Photo via CDC on Upsplash