THE Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that the government’s anti-Covid-19 vaccination drive would proceed even in areas that will be placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that those who are scheduled to be vaccinated during ECQ should only present their vaccination card to authorities.
“Those who will be vaccinated and have schedules will be exempted from these restrictions,” Vergeire said in an online media forum.
During ECQ, the DOH official stressed that vaccinees would be considered as Authorized Persons Outside Residence or APOR.
Red Cross: No halt
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Senator Richard J. Gordon also said that PRC will not stop its vaccination program even during the ECQ.
“The 15-day lockdown set for this August would not hinder the vaccination program of Red Cross. Gaya nang sinasabi ko, hindi titigil ang Red Cross lalong lalo na sa pagbibigay ng bakuna. Hangga’t may supply kami galing sa gobyerno, hindi kami hihinto dito sa PRC, magpapatuloy ang mga Bakuna Centers natin [As what I’ve said, the Red Cross will not stop giving jabs. As long as the government will give us vaccine supply, we will continue with the vaccination in our Bakuna Centers],” said Gordon.
As of July 31, 2021, the PRC has already vaccinated 67,058 individuals — 63,176 people through the PRC Bakuna Centers located nationwide, and 3,882 aboard the PRC Bakuna Bus.
PRC also vaccinated 1,491 OFWs under the Government Moderna Program Initiative while 759 were vaccinated under the PRC Moderna Program.
Gordon added that the PRC has three main approaches in supporting the National Covid-19 Vaccine Deployment Plan.
This includes the: (1) establishment of Bakuna Centers, of which currently,there are 13 and 17 more are being planned, (2) deployment of PRC vaccination teams to LGU-operated Bakuna Centers, and (3) deployment of mobile vaccine clinics, also known as the Bakuna Buses.
20-M vaxxed so far
As of August 1, 2021, a total of 20,863,544 doses have already been administered in the country, the government reported on Monday; 11,747,581 have received their first doses while 9,115,963 have already gotten the complete protection of the Covid-19 vaccines.
The total doses administered in the 22nd week of the national vaccination reached 3,661,123 doses with an average of 523,018 daily administered doses.
“Our defense against Covid-19 and its variants is by following the minimum public health standards and getting vaccinated. Let’s remember to properly wear our masks and face shields, observe physical distancing, wash our hands, and ensure there is ventilation when we are indoors,” DOH said.
The DOH also encouraged the public to get vaccinated.
“Also, let’s get vaccinated when it’s our turn and get the second dose as scheduled. Together, we can beat Covid-19,” DOH added.