BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental will start vaccinating its employees against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) today.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, citing health experts, reiterated that getting the vaccine is one of the “final solutions” against COVID-19, along with maintaining proper health protocols such as proper wearing of facemasks and face shields and observing physical distancing, among others.
However, Lacson admitted he won’t insist should an employee decide not to get the anti-coronavirus jabs yet.
“We cannot force anybody, but we strongly encourage them to take this opportunity to get the vaccine and not refuse it… We should all do our part,” he added.
Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said over 1,000 capitol employees are being eyed for vaccination.
Meanwhile, the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) welcomed the provincial government’s move.
PACE president Renelo Lastierre said the mass vaccination for the capitol workers shows further proof that the provincial government is “looking into the welfare” of the employees.
Lastierre said employees of the provincial government were heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and they hope the vaccination will give them protection and strength to continue serving the public.
Recently, around 6,000 vials of the CoronaVac vaccines made by Chinese firm Sinovac were shipped to the province.
Data of the Provincial Incident Management Team showed a steady decline in the number of active cases in Negros Occidental in the past week.
As of May 17, the province logged 1,589 active cases – 256 cases lower than the 1,845 recorded on May 16./PN
