A TOP Palace official said that despite the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) classification next week, the government’s vaccination program will definitely continue.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this assurance despite the looming threat of the COVID-19 Delta variant since without a doubt, vaccination in ECQ areas is a most needed solution.
He cited Section 2 on the Guidelines for Areas Placed Under ECQ of the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines, which states that “gatherings that are essential for the provision of health services are allowed.”
“Our mass vaccination program will therefore continue and intensify for [the] first and second dose, notwithstanding next week’s ECQ classification of Metro Manila and other areas,” Roque said.
However, he reiterated that public transportation and vaccination sites should have mechanisms to implement minimum public health standards. He also urged the public to cooperate to ensure the health and safety of everyone – vaccinators and vaccinees alike.
He likewise emphasized an earlier statement by President Rodrigo Duterte, that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.”
As regards the financial assistance for those to be affected by the ECQ imposition, he said the President already ordered concerned agencies to look for funding to aid those who would be adversely afflicted.