Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, some companies have been trying to do their part in helping the world get back to some sense of normalcy. As scientists speculate on the possibility COVID-19 becomes another recurring disease humans learn to live with, much like the flu, delivery giant UPS says it's committed to the continued safe distribution of vaccines around the world.

"The world is now vaccinating roughly six million people a day. That'll be 5.4 years before we get to 75 percent of the world's population," Scott Price, head of international operations for UPS, told Cheddar.

"What I can tell you is that given the size and the scope of the world's population and in our network, we're always going to be prepared for the capacity needs to get this vaccine around the world," he added.

The company's services aren't just limited to the needs of the United States. While the AstraZeneca vaccine has not been cleared for use in the U.S., UPS has worked closely with other countries, South Korea in particular, in distribution efforts. Price said the company is willing to transport any vaccine to any place in need.

UPS Healthcare and the UPS Foundation have also donated $3 million to COVID vaccination efforts.

"Distribution is really critical when it comes to vaccines. We've been doing healthcare distribution. We have a pretty substantial segment, but you know the ultra-low temperature required on these vaccines is what makes this one particularly unique," Price said. "Now, we have cold storage capability, so as part of our donation, that $3 million, part of it is just capacity of that ultra-low temperature."

With the company delivering nearly 25 million packages every day, Price said UPS has "plenty of capacity" to ensure the safe delivery of vaccines worldwide.

"We have to continue to drive solutions in manufacturing so that we're able to get these into the arms of citizens around the world," he explained.

Share:
More In Business
Starbucks’ Change Flushes Out a Debate Over Public Restroom Access
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
Trump Highlights Partnership Investing $500 Billion in AI
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Load More