Some local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have opened their COVID-19 vaccination program to residents living in neighboring cities or provinces.
These include Mandaluyong, San Juan, and Pateros as they will soon complete the vaccination of their eligible residents, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos said Monday.
But Abalos clarified that “walk-ins” are not allowed, and those who want to get vaccinated but do not live in such areas still need to schedule online.
“In-open na po namin sa mga hindi taga-lugar namin. In-open namin, hindi lang taga-NCR (National Capital Regions), pati sa neighbors, hanggang Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite. Pero para wala tayong gulo, you should schedule,” said Abalos.
“May QR code kami. I-download ‘yong app, fill-out-an. Bibigyan ng schedule. Bring government ID, passport, driver’s license,” he added.
Abalos stressed that LGUs have steps in place to ensure that no one injects a booster shot.
He warned those who would try: “We will imprison you. Everything will be recorded.”
Some LGUs in Metro Manila open vaccination to neighboring areas
About 43.5 percent of the eligible population in Metro Manila has been vaccinated against COVID-19. It targets to reach 50 percent before the end of August.
In all, more than 13 million people have been considered fully vaccinated against the disease, said vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved the emergency use authorization of Sputnik Light, the single-dose COVID-19 vaccine produced by Russia’s Gamaleya.
This is the 9th COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA, along with the vaccines of Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and the 2-dose Sputnik V.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) projects the Philippines’ currently active COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila could double by September if vaccine coverage, compliance with health protocols, and detection to isolation in Manila are not improved.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Monday at a media forum when the six-week Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) will be implemented in Metro Manila from August 21 to September 30.
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