Luxury Apartment Tenants Get Prioritized in Providence for Early Vaccination

Luxury Apartment Tenants Get Prioritized in Providence for Early Vaccination

If you live in a luxury unit at The Promenade Apartments in Providence and are over 50 years of age you get to jump the line and get vaccinated nex,t according to a new directive from Mayor Jorge Elorza and Council President Sabina Matos.

For those living in the Promenade Apartments — who already enjoy an indoor swimming pool, concierge serves and a private gym — they go to the front of the line. 

A two bedroom unit goes for $3,500.

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How did these residents —  who include corporate CEOs, doctors and lawyers make the list?

Providence officials made an announcement on Tuesday the prioritization is simply now being made by zip code rather than risk.

While many in the three zip codes being prioritized — 02907, 02908 and 02909 are lower income, live in more compact housing and are employed in workplaces like manufacturing with higher exposure and risk, the designation simply by zip code includes multiple upscale apartment complexes.

"That's right. It's a vital next step to vaccinate residents in the communities hardest hit by COVID-19 and we want to ensure that these residents have priority access to the vaccine. All residents ages 65+ can still register for any of the City's vaccination clinics,” said Ben Smith, spokesperson for Elorza.

Some top health experts have warned against using zip codes as a designation because they are too broad and rather use census tracks that can better pinpoint those most at risk.

According to the City, it has been granted authority by the Rhode Island Department of Health to immediately begin registering eligible Providence residents ages 50 and older for vaccine appointments at upcoming vaccination clinics in some of the neighborhoods hardest-hit by COVID-19 in the state. These neighborhoods comprise the zip codes 02907, 02908, and 02909.

"The City is working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health and community partners to reach residents in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19," said Elorza. "Providence is making every effort to administer vaccines equitably and efficiently and this next step allows us to more directly reach our most vulnerable residents as quickly as possible."