California officials closed a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday when hundreds of ineligible workers at Hollywood-producing companies attacked the facility seeking beatings, according to a report.
City officials confirmed that in the first hour, 900 of the 1,500 appointments at the Pasadena City College clinic had been hired by several workers from Hollywood’s production, media and broadcasting companies, most of whom were ineligible. .
“Hundreds signed up in the first hour,” city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said. “It was like a quick fire.”
Last week an email came out from the Pasadena Department of Public Health to front-line workers and seniors with instructions for signing up for an appointment at the clinic through the statewide vaccination website.
The email also indicated that people trying to get the COVID-19 vaccine should prove they worked in an eligible industry and lived or worked in Pasadena, according to The Los Angeles Times.
“We check if there is identification. We will divert you if you do not meet the current level, if you do not live in the city or work in the city, “Derderian said.
“Our health officer will not risk his credentials or the licenses of the health department or the reputation of the city. We are very strict in complying with the guidelines. “
City officials decided to close the clinic indefinitely after spending several days checking that those who were making an appointment were eligible, determining that some of them were not.
Residents noted that at the check-in site, there was a drop-down menu asking what industry the registrant works in: “Service: Entertainment, Performance.”
Officials also noted that the closure of the clinic has been tough for many seniors who were in line for the vaccination.
“Some cried when they found out their appointments had been moved,” Derderian said.
As of Tuesday, no new date has been scheduled for the reopening of the clinic.