ILOILO City – Senior citizens and adults with comorbidities wanting to be vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stormed Central Philippine University (CPU) in Jaro district yesterday.
The unexpected number of “walk-ins” in the university – the venue of the city government’s vaccination program – raised concerns that the activity could become a coronavirus “super spreader”.
Yesterday’s schedule was originally for around 2,000 pre-registered senior citizens and adults with comorbidities only, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
There were claims about a radio announcement from the Department of Health (DOH) that those who wanted to be vaccinated may just go to the CPU.
However, the DOH-6 through Dr. Jocelyn Te, medical officer, denied issuing such announcement.
Treñas, for his part, apologized for what had happened. He ordered all CPU gates closed around 2:30 p.m.
“It is unfortunate that many A2 (elderly) and A3 (persons with comorbidities) Ilonggos came even if it was not yet their schedule,” said Treñas.
He requested the school administration to open the huge Rose Memorial Hall as a waiting area to keep the situation “under control.”
Since the unregistered residents were there already, “gin-accommodate ta,” Treñas told Panay News.
“Pero next time indi na gid,” he stressed.
The mayor emphasized that those who want to be vaccinated must register first through their barangays.
“We would like to announce that we will only vaccinate those who have been pre-scheduled for vaccination. We will not be able to accommodate walk-in residents in the meantime. Please register in your barangay and follow your schedule. Our barangay officials give out tickets. Only those with tickets can be accommodated,” Treñas explained.
Nevertheless, the city mayor noted, the incident indicates that many are already interested to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Damo na gusto magpa-vaccine… vaccines na lang kulang,” he added.
He thanked CPU for its cooperation and assistance.
“We are also thankful to all our City Health Office personnel andmedical volunteers. Salamat gid sa inyo tanan,” Treñas said in a statement./PN
