Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government is directing local government units to ensure that people are safe from health risks when they receive their COVID-19 shots amid continuous rainfall and flooding in many parts of Luzon.
In a statement, the DILG said it has issued a directive to local leaders to ensure that vaccination sites, including outside premises and queue areas are safe and convenient and have little to no exposure to rains, floods, and other hazards.
“The safety of everyone should be top of mind as we carry out our vaccination efforts and especially during this rainy season,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.
This is also in line with the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to ensure “more sane” vaccination process amid the rainy weather and the threat of the Delta coronavirus variant.
Duterte issued the order following reports that people scheduled for vaccination, especially in Metro Manila, braved the monsoon rains and floods to get inoculated.
The DILG also reminded LGUs to make sure their vaccination hubs can accommodate the special needs of the elderly, persons with comorbidity, and those with disabilities.
They were also instructed to improve their scheduling and appointment system to prevent long lines.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said alternative vaccination sites are now being identified in the National Capital Region to address overcrowding and flooding in 28 sites.
To date, the government has administered some 17.5 million vaccine doses, wherein around 6.3 million individuals received both their shots.
Authorities are hoping to vaccinate some 70 million Filipinos by the end of this year to achieve herd immunity.
