The government expressed confidence to achieve community protection from COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) before Christmas this year.
According to Secretary Vince Dizon, National Action Plan Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer, achieving community protection against COVID-19 is doable as long as there is sufficient supply of vaccines for the country.
“Dahil sa magandang report ni Secretary Galvez na padating ang bulto ng supplies natin simula June, eh tingin natin mula June hanggang Nobyembre ng 2021 eh maabot natin ‘yung 70% ng NCR Plus 8,” Dizon said in a briefing on May 25.
“Ang target diyan per day ay dapat aabot tayo ng 120,000 sa NCR at 200,000 plus sa NCR Plus 8,” he added.
Data from the Commission on Population and Development show that the estimated population of NCR as of May 25 is 13,949,917. The World Health Organization (WHO) said 60 to 70% of the population must be vaccinated to achieve protection.
“Right now, ang average natin ay mga 170,000 nationwide. Ang target natin ay umabot tayo ng hanggang 500,000 per day at naniniwala kami sa mga susunod na buwan lalo na na padating na ang bulto ng ating mga order – very, very achievable iyan,” Dizon said.
As of May 25, the Philippines has already administered 4.3 million doses nationwide from the over eight million doses delivered to the country. – Report from Sweeden Velado-Ramirez/AG-rir
Watch full report from Sweeden Velado-Ramirez: