They justify their claim to Governor Cuomo that they, too, are essential workers in the pandemic.
PHOTO: UBA / COURTESYBy:David Ramirez Updated 10 Jan 2021, 17:48 pm EST DavidRamirezPO
The New York City bodegueros want health authorities to consider them for immunization in the first round of vaccinations.
At a press conference from their headquarters in the Bronx on Sunday, leaders of the UBA called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to include them in this first phase.
Covid-19 is real, we are on the front line, we are exposed every minute of the day, people refuse to wear masks and we winemakers become victims of violence, the organization stressed.
“To keep our Warehouses open 24/7 we need the vaccine. We are serving the communities most affected by the pandemic. We have witnessed this pandemic kill thousands of seniors and people with underlying illnesses in our community,” said Radhames Rodriguez, president of UBA.
Rodriguez added that the members of the bodegas owners are exposed every time a customer enters their business.
“Governor Cuomo, please include us on this 1A list, we are vulnerable just like first responders,” he insisted.
Bodeguero Carlos Herrera and member of the UBA, stressed that they understand the urgency of vaccinating the elderly, health care workers and front-line workers, but they are also part of that group.
“We have been asked to stay open and serve our community and we have done so, but hundreds of our bodegueros have also fallen into the hands of Covid-19. We need the Governor to be reasonable and allow us to get the vaccine,” Herrera added.
Meanwhile, UBA spokesman Fernando Mateo justified that its associates should be included in the first round of immunization.
“If a bodega can’t serve its community, who will, the people will suffer. We provide essential goods and services for millions of people in New York City, without your local bodega there is no food. Bodega owners deal with masked people every day, with violent people, people who refuse to abide by the law as a result, they are exposed to the elements of Covid-19,” Mateo added.
