Microsoft Headquarters Will Be Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Site
COVID-19 regulations are still in effect in many parts of the world, as leaders implement measures in hopes that society can return to normal as soon as possible. Not only are public officials taking these actions, but many big businesses are also doing their part to fight the virus as well, such as Microsoft.
Many parts of the United States are running out of hospital space due to an overwhelming number of patients in need. To combat this, Microsoft is opening up its Redmond, Washington headquarters, to be converted into a mass vaccination center. The announcement was made yesterday during a news conference by Microsoft President Brad Smith, who is working together with Washington Governor Jay Inslee.
The conference's purpose was to announce the details of the state's current COVID-19 distribution plans to the public and establish what sort of infrastructure will be used. Along with Microsoft, various labor unions, corporations, healthcare groups, and government entities will be assisting in meeting the federal requirement for vaccine distribution rates.
Smith went on to say that the goal for the company is to fully become a mass vaccination site by next month. Smith believes Microsoft to be a site for the people of the community and believes that having this bold goal and building capacity before the supply is what Washington citizens need most right now. Inslee announced that Washington would ideally hit 45,000 vaccinations daily with Microsoft's help. On top of that, Inslee lowered the age threshold from 70 to 65, which makes another 400,000 people eligible for access to treatment.
According to Smith, the location has been long deserted by Microsoft employees who are now explicitly working from home. Microsoft will not only provide the space for vaccine distribution, but it will also provide staffing, help cover the costs so that uninsured people can receive treatment, and assist with the actual administration process. Additionally, Microsoft has also supported both Salesforce and Oracle to keep digital vaccination records.
Microsoft is not the only company that is assisting the public. As part of the Washinton State Vaccine Command Coordination Center, both Costco and Starbucks have also provided different types of help for the cause. Starbucks has assisted in operational efficiency and design expertise support, while Costco is using its pharmacies to deliver vaccines. Hopefully, combined efforts such as these around the world can help with defeating the COVID-19 virus as soon as possible.
Source: WA Governor's Office
Post a Comment