Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Toronto FC players, staff begin getting COVID-19 vaccinations in Florida

Published on April 06, 2021 at 09:27 PM

The first group of Toronto FC personnel has received its first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine with more to follow.

General manager Ali Curtis, currently in Mexico for the MLS team's Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League game against Club Leon on Wednesday, said he was among six to eight staff members vaccinated Saturday in Florida.

Non-travelling players and staff were due to get vaccinated Tuesday in Orlando, where TFC has set up shop for the 2021 season due to pandemic-related border restrictions.

Curtis said he expected the rest of the travelling party would be vaccinated Friday upon their return to Florida.

Read more: Toronto FC resumes full training after shutdown due to COVID-19 outbreak

“Really good news,” said Curtis.

Veteran Toronto midfielder Nick DeLeon has already said he does not plan to be vaccinated, despite the urging of government and health authorities to do so.

“I've never had vaccines, I don't get the flu shot. I don't do any of that,” he said last month. “I don't take medicine, I don't take prescription crap, any of that. That's my personal choice and that's the way I choose to live my life. And I will not change that for anybody.

“`I know who I am and I'm confident in it.”

While Curtis said the MLS club is “respectful of people's opinions,” he said TFC believes the vaccinations are a “key component to getting out of this pandemic.”

The GM said he expects Major League Soccer to have policies in place pertaining to post-vaccination protocols.

“They've asked that we make them aware of what our planning is and who's getting vaccinated,” he said. “Personally I took the vaccine. We're encouraging our staff and our players to get the vaccine. With that being said, it's not mandatory. You can't force someone to go and get a vaccine. We think it's important though.”

Read more: Toronto FC's Alejandro Pozuelo named Major League Soccer MVP

To that end, TFC held a recent Zoom call for all players and staff with four doctors including an infectious diseases specialist to answer questions about the vaccines.

“He was able to address all questions and comments that players have regarding vaccinations,” said Curtis.

“What we are trying to do as a club is to be responsible about providing all our staff and all of our players with as much information, as possible regarding vaccinations and the benefits of it,” he added.

Inter Miami CF said Monday that its players had received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Inter Miami CF Stadium vaccination site. As of Monday, everyone 18 or older in Florida is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

The vaccination site at Inter Miami CF Stadium has been open since Jan. 12, 2021, with up to 1,500 pre-registered patients receiving their shots per day.

Prev Article

Dr. Bogoch weighs in on Ontario-wide COVID-19 lockdown possibility

Next Article

The Kardashians Are Trying To Wipe The Internet Of An Unedited And Unfiltered Pic Of Khloe Kardashian 

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *