Alexandria adds restaurant workers to vaccine eligibility list

The city of Alexandria has added restaurant workers to its list of people eligible for the coronavirus vaccine.

Under the new guidance issued this week, restaurant workers will have the same eligibility as front-line workers – including police, teachers and grocery staff.

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City officials noted that workers in restaurants are often unable to socially distance while serving food or providing other services to customers. Meanwhile, kitchen workers are often confined to small spaces.

In addition, they noted, food service workers are often drawn from "vulnerable communities" – and are frequently underinsured, if at all.

READ MORE: Spotsylvania County restaurant owner says he’s staying open after license suspended for COVID-19 violations

The move comes as restaurants in Virginia and other neighboring states ease restrictions on indoor dining.

On March 1, the Commonwealth expanded alcohol sales to midnight.

READ MORE: Maryland to lift capacity limits for indoor, outdoor dining on Friday

Meanwhile, neighboring Maryland will soon lift indoor dining restrictions practically altogether.
 

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