The Sun City resort is set to become a vaccination site dedicated to the hospitality industry from Saturday, 24 July, Sun International announced on Thursday.

According to Sun International, this is the first such facility of its sort in the industry.

The Department of Health has inspected the Sun City vaccination site and given approval for it to operate until December. The resort, however, will aim to complete its vaccination programme within two months.

The resort's convention centre will be used as the vaccine centre and the Superbowl will consist of vaccination, discharge and observation areas. Medics will be on hand to assist people should they show any sign of an allergic reaction, or to transport them to the nearby hospital.

The plan is to vaccinate about 7 500 people in three phases. First on the list will be Sun City staff and service providers. About 1 000 staff members over the age of 50 will be attended to first, followed by lower age groups in line with the national approach.

Those with medical aid would have the cost of the vaccine deducted from their available funds, while the Department of Health will cover the cost of non-members.

Once this phase is completed, family members of staff will be eligible and then those working at hospitality establishments in the Moses Kotane District.

According to Sun City general manager Brett Hoppe, the resort's vaccination drive will include an outreach programme for the surrounding area.

"Sun City is used to hosting events of the size and magnitude of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, so we are confident that the preparations for our vaccination site will be seamless," said Hoppe.

Source: News24