PH must ramp up vaccinations before shifting to GCQ - public health expert
Vaccinations must ramp up dramatically before the national government downgrades the status of areas currently under lockdown to a less restrictive classification according to an epidemiologist.
Dr. John Wong of Epimetrics, Inc. said during the televised Palace briefing today that one of the metrics that should be considered before areas under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) be downgraded to general community quarantine is that vaccinations should be on track to reach 350,000 daily.
The National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are currently under MECQ after new COVID-19 infections reached record numbers last month.
Wong said the 350,000 daily vaccination target is based on the goal of vaccinating 70% of the population by February next year.
"Since we are already two months into the vaccination, and we haven't reached that number yet, the 350,000 is certainly an underestimation, we probably should be doing more," said Wong.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. last week said that around 1.3 million Filipinos have been vaccinated to date. At the current rate since the vaccinations started March 1, this translates to roughly over 20,000 jabs administered in a day.
"The later that we are able to hit that target or even higher, the bigger the target will become. Otherwise, we will fail to achieve that target by next year," said Wong.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. last week said that around 1.3 million Filipinos have been vaccinated. At the current rate since the vaccinations started March 1, this translates to over 20,000 jabs administered in a day.
Aside from ramping up vaccinations, Wong also said that local and national government units must report increasing compliance in their areas regarding masking and social distancing; faster response to identifying symptomatic patients, isolating them, and monitoring their quarantine.
For businesses, compliance with masking ang social distancing should also be monitored, according to Wong.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque said that President Rodrigo Duterte may announce an update on whether to lift or extend the lockdown status during his public address on Wednesday.
Thumbnail and banner photo by KJ Rosales, The Philippine Star