Churches are now being considered as possible vaccination sites in the City of Manila.
Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno said Archdiocese of Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo offered the local government the assistance utilizing big churches within the city.
“Nag-agree kami kahapon (We have agreed yesterday). Kaninang umaga nag-schedule kami (We had a schedule this morning), so Bishop Pabillo, Vice Mayor Honey, and (I) will have a meeting most likely next week,” Moreno said.
“Ang preference ng World Health Organization at DOH (The preference of the World Health Organization and the DOH) is open space, and we need more open,” Moreno added.
There are currently 18 vaccination sites that have been identified in the city mostly consisting of schools.
Meanwhile, the Manila government conducted COVID-19 vaccine rollout mass simulation exercise anew at the Isabelo Delos Reyes Elementary School.
At least 18,000 individuals are targeted to be vaccinated daily in the city once the rollout of vaccines begins. A total of 980,000 residents are eyed to receive the vaccines but the city is open to cover non-residents.
Around 76,000 residents have already pre-registered for inoculation since January 1.
An agreement between the city and AstraZeneca was earlier signed for the purchase of 800,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine while negotiations with other vaccine developers are ongoing. – Report from Patrick de Jesus
