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Pittsburgh leaders asking for COVID-19 vaccine be made available to restaurant, hospitality workers

PITTSBURGH — With capacity increasing at many businesses, there is a higher risk of spreading the virus. Pittsburgh City Council is asking the Pennsylvania Department of Health to make the vaccine available for service, hospitality and restaurant workers.

Some business owners we spoke with today say they’re encouraged by this move not only for their workers but for their customers safety.

About a half a year ago the owner of Joe’s Rusty Nail in Bellevue reported that the struggle was real just to keep the doors open. But today with occupancy levels on the rise he hopes the state will back Pittsburgh city Council’s request for workers like his to get the shot.

“If we can get our workers vaccinated that would be a definite plus for everyone,” Joe Elbicki said.

Fifty percent of his staff have had their first shot but not all of his employees are eligible right now. So today’s announcement from Councilman Corey O’Connor to ask the state to allow those in the restaurant, service and hospitality industry’s to be allowed to get the vaccine now was welcome news.

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And back in September Elbicki reported some of his older customers said even when things get back to normal they may be hesitant to dine out. Making today’s plea to the state department of health even more important.

“It’s not only making the employees feel comfortable but making the customers feel comfortable, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

And Councilman O’Connor couldn’t agree more when it comes to the encompassing affect this will have on everyone and the economy.

“To make the customers feel welcome, because this is what we’re used to. We want to get back to being at our neighborhood restaurants, seeing our local bartenders, seeing our waiters and waitresses that we’ve known for years and supporting them.” O’Connor said.