ILOILO City – This southern city vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 112 percent of the target population set by the Department of Health (DOH). Has it thus reached herd immunity against the viral disease?
It may already have, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
However, he pointed out that the efficacy of the vaccines is waning over time.
“Bisan sa aton seguro nga target naka-herd immunity na ‘ta, pero waay ‘ta nagasalig kay ti nagapanaog ang efficacy sang vaccine,” Treñas told local reporters.
“May ara pa minors nga waay na-vaccinate kag mga seniors nga waay nakapa-booster (shot),” he stressed.
He said there is no letup in the inoculation campaign.
Data from DOH Region 6’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed, as of Nov. 29, that this city already vaccinated 376,897 people out of the 335,172 set by DOH for the city.
However, Treñas clarified that the city has its own target: 525,000 people composed of 425,000 city residents and 100,000 non-residents.
As of Nov. 28, 67.61 percent of the city’s target was fully vaccinated while 77.83 percent received at least one dose, data from the City Health Office (CHO) showed.
“Sigehon ta aton kampanya,” said Treñas, citing the threat of the new Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
“Kinanglan mapa-booster gid ‘ta. Padasigon ta pa gid pati ining vaccination sang mga kabataan,” he added.
Treñas would also request the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to already allow the vaccination for children aged five to 11 and the provision of booster shots to more eligible populations.
The city has an estimated 478, 817 total population.
NEW VARIANT
Treñas said the city is studying if there is a need to impose stricter health protocols due to the Omicron variant.
He particularly noted he would be approving the closure of Lanai Resto Bar as recommended by the city’s Compliance Team for alleged non-compliance with the minimum health protocols like physical distancing and wearing of facemasks.
Treñas also warned two other establishments – MO2 and Cave – for the same violation.
The three establishments were located at Smallville Complex in Mandurriao district.
“We have no choice, we will close you, especially nga may bag-o nga variant. Manigurado lang kita,” Treñas said./PN
