The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has established the guidelines for COVID-19 vaccine trials under Resolution No. 65. The rules stated under the newly issued resolution are as follows:
• All applications should be submitted to the Vaccine Expert Panel, reviewed by the Ethics Boards, and submitted to the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)
• Zoning guidelines must be issued by the sub-TWG
• Local Government Units (LGUs) should prioritize World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trials
• The Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) should review the Ethical Guidelines for the COVID-19 clinical trials and standardize compensation of participants
Meanwhile, the IATF has declared as a national policy the directive to all governors, mayors, and barangay heads to accept all returning residents “of their respective jurisdictions” and to undertake necessary measures on the matter.
It also considered the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a critical government service. Thus, “surveyors, enumerators, and/or supervisors of the DSWD Regional Offices shall be considered as Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs) and should be allowed inter-zonal and intrazonal travel.”
Presidential and IATF Spokesperson Harry Roque disclosed that other matters were also discussed aside from the new policies.
“Bukod po roon sa pagsusuot ng face shield sa pampublikong transportation, sa trabaho, ay dapat sinusuot na rin ang face shields sa mga nakasaradong commercial establishments gaya ng mga malls (Aside from public transportation and the work place, face shields must also be worn in enclosed commercial establishments such as malls),” Roque stated.
Roque opened the invitation to any groups interested in joining the IATF meetings after learning that the business sector, particularly the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), made the request.
The IATF is set to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday but the location is yet to be confirmed. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
