By Alec Go
Malacaῆang on Thursday (Aug. 5) said unvaccinated individuals are still authorized to go out for essential goods and activities, and are still qualified for the government’s cash assistance distribution.
The clarification was issued amid circulating rumors that the government has banned unvaccinated individuals from going out for essential purposes during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) implementation.
“Wala pa tayong anunsyo pagdating sa mga pagbabawal ng paglabas ng hindi bakunado. Wala ring katotohanan na ire-require natin ang bakuna para sa ayuda,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in his briefing.
“Walang katotohanan ang mga sinasabi na kapag walang bakuna, hindi makakakuha ng ayuda at hindi makakalabas ng bahay,” he added.
The government said it will continue and intensify its vaccination efforts in the National Capital Region (NCR) during the ECQ, with Metro Manila mayors committing to administer four million doses if supply permits.
National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon said local government units have been told to put in place safeguards for the vaccination to prevent superspreader events.
The vaccination program remains open to all priority groups, but prioritization will focus on senior citizens and persons with comorbidities.
Malacaῆang earlier urged local governments to ensure efficient and organized vaccination programs amid reported overcrowding in some vaccination sites in the Metro, including Manila.
“Sinabi rin niya (President Duterte), dapat maging makatao. At ‘yung overcrowding nga, hindi makatao ‘yan. Sapat ang ating resources para magpatupad ng minimum health standards. Ang hindi pagpapatupad niyan ay isang klase ng dereliction of duty ng opisyales,” Roque said.
‘Other APORs’
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said those with medical emergencies and those who are getting vaccinated are considered as other authorized persons outside of residence (APORs).
“Sila ay may pwede na kasama na driver. I-a-allow iyon dahil sila naman ay ihahatid, at ganoon din — pagbalik ay kasama sila,” Eleazar said, following the announcement that fetching of APORs by non-APORs has been allowed, subject to some requirements.
The NCR will be on a two-week lockdown beginning August 6 with tighter restrictions, including the establishment of intercity checkpoints within the region to limit movement.
He said “worker APORs” or those reporting to work are not covered by curfew and can pass through borders, while “consumer APORs” or those buying essential goods will only be allowed within their city. -rir
