COVID-19: FEMA says Monday was busiest day yet at Gateway site; spring break for DCPS leads to staff coming ou

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With Duval County Public Schools being on spring break this week, more school faculty and staff are expected to get the vaccine at the federal run site Gateway Mall.

Action News Jax saw many taking advantage of their free time to get the shot.

A Federal Emergency Management Agency spokesperson said today has been the busiest day yet for the Gateway Mall site.

“I was kind of nervous and excited at the same time because I didn’t know how things were going to go,” art-history teacher Deja Echals said.

Normally, spring break has a relaxing view. But for many DCPS school faculty and staff, the view is the COVID-19 vaccine.

Echals teaches at Douglas Anderson and said with a classroom full of almost 30 kids, working was a little nerve-wracking.

“Once got here, and I actually got it, I felt so much better and relieved,” she said. “So now, I feel a little bit safer when I go back to school.”

The federal run Gateway Mall site can administer 2,000 vaccines daily but have yet to max out since opening. Since March 3, the site has administered approximately 4,915 vaccines, even when it had a vaccine capacity of 10,000 –— falling just short of 50% of its supply.

“I wasn’t in that initial age category that rolled out. But when they opened it up, I was thrilled,” Tracey Malone Simpson said.

Even with low numbers, the Beauclerc Elementary teacher said she’s grateful the federal site is allowing educators of all ages to get the vaccine. With a week off from school, she said many will clear their agenda and make their way out.

FEMA spokesperson Kimber Kipp told Action News Jax that officials will begin doing community outreach to clear up any myths and provide facts and clarity for those who are hesitant to get the shot.

Cox Media Group