Mandaluyong transport workers receive booster shots

Several public utility vehicle drivers, conductors, and commuters have been boosted against Covid-19 by the Mandaluyong City local government in partnership with the national government as it ramp up its efforts to combat the surge in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR), according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

Mandaluyong City Mayor Ben Abalos, together with officials from the Department of Health (DOH), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Starmall EDSA Shaw, spearheaded the vaccination drive at the mall’s terminal.

Abalos said the program is in line with the national government’s PinasLakas Booster campaign to increase the number of vaccinated Filipinos by making vaccines easily accessible through a settings-based approach such as deploying jabs in offices, schools, public transport terminals, and others.

He then encouraged those in the transport sector to avail of the free booster shots following DOH reports of increased number of individuals infected with Covid-19.

Abalos also reminded the public to follow minimum health protocols at all times despite the easing of some restrictions such as the voluntary wearing of face masks outdoors and standing in PUVs.

The mayor added that individuals working in the transport sector and commuters are among those who are vulnerable to and need protection from COVID-19 since they frequently have person-to-person contact on a daily basis.

On Sept. 29, several cities in NCR, including Mandaluyong, have been placed under moderate risk for Covid-19 by the DOH.

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“Nakikitaan natin ang National Capital Region na patuloy ang pagtaas ng kaso, pero hindi pa siya dun sa significant levels. Pero nakikita natin na 13 out of the 17 areas in National Capital Region ay pumalo na sa moderate risk classification. Kaya ang NCR ngayon ay nasa moderate risk case classification (We are seeing a continuous increase in Covid-19 cases in the National Capital Region but it is not yet on significant levels. However, we are seeing that 13 out of 17 areas in the National Capital Region are already under the moderate risk classification, hence, NCR is now under moderate risk case classification),” DOH officer-in-charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire said in a press briefing.

The other cities in the list of DOH under the moderate Covid-19 risk are Quezon City, Taguig, Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Municipality of Pateros, San Juan, Pasig, Makati, and Marikina.