Palace ensures unhampered vaccination in ECQ zones

MANILA – The inoculation of Filipinos against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) will remain unhampered in areas placed under the most stringent enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Malacañang said on Friday. In a press statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the government’s mass immunization drive must continue despite the ECQ to prevent the further transmission of a more contagious Delta Covid-19 variant.

“With the looming threat of Delta variant, there is no question that vaccination even in areas under enhanced community quarantine classification is an imperative solution,” Roque said.

Iloilo province and its highly-urbanized city, and the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Gingoog, are currently under ECQ.

The four areas will stay under ECQ until August 7.

On the other hand, ECQ will be imposed in Metro Manila from August 6 to 20.

Citing the omnibus guidelines of ECQ in the country, Roque said gatherings that are “essential for the provision of health services” are allowed.

Roque said vaccinating people is crucial to “build a wall of defense” against the Delta variant and achieve population protection.

“Vaccinating individuals in this trying time is an essential health activity. Our mass vaccination program will therefore continue and intensify for first and second dose, notwithstanding next week’s ECQ classification of Metro Manila and other areas,” he said.

Roque, however, reminded the public to heed President Rodrigo Duterte’s repeated appeals for them to observe health protocols, especially when they are commuting or in vaccination sites.

“The public has to cooperate to ensure the health and safety of everyone – vaccinators and vaccinees alike. To reiterate what the President said, no one is safe until everyone is safe,” he said.

Unvaccinated still allowed to go out

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said unvaccinated persons will not be prevented from going out.

This came as Duterte, in his address to the nation on Wednesday night, said he wants policemen and barangay officials to prevent those who do not want to get vaccinated from leaving their homes.

He urged the public to listen to what the health experts have been repeatedly saying about the efficiency of the vaccines against the Covid-19 that includes the Delta variant.

“Kami sa PNP ay magpapatuloy lamang sa mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng quarantine protocols at minimum public health safety standards upang makatulong tayo sa pagpigil sa pagkalat ng coronavirus (We at the PNP are continuing with our efforts in ensuring that quarantine protocols and minimum public health safety standards to help stop the spread of the coronavirus),” he added.

Aid for affected residents

Meantime, Roque said Duterte has directed concerned agencies to look for funds to provide assistance to Metro Manila residents who will be affected by the ECQ.

Roque issued the statement, a day after he announced that people living in Iloilo province and city, Cagayan de Oro City, and Gingoog City will receive financial aid worth PH1,000 per individual or PHP4,000 per family.

“The President’s marching order is for concerned agencies to source for funds to aid those who would be adversely afflicted,” Roque said. (with report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)