MANILA, Philippines –The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) warned that Metro Manila is not yet ready to be on Alert Level 1. This is because of the low vaccination and booster rate of senior citizens and those with co-morbidities.
Despite the dwindling daily infection count in Metro Manila, the region has not yet vaccinated 80 percent of the vulnerable sectors. This vaccination mark is a main requirement implemented by the IATF. Dr. Maricar Limpin, president of PCP, said that the vaccination drive must be pushed before the government considers downgrading the alert level.
Pandemic task force officials nod in agreement with the PCP as they impose two directives before a unit can downgrade to Alert Level 1.
As per the PCP, 80% of the vulnerable sector must be vaccinated. 70% of the eligible population in the community must also be vaccinated before transitioning to Alert Level 1.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced, “If LGUs cannot achieve all these metrics, then we cannot let them be placed under Alert Level 1.” Under Alert Level 1, all establishments will be allowed to operate at full capacity with minimum public health standards held.
The government has yet to vaccinate 3 million individuals nationwide. As of writing, 62.5 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated, but only 9.7 million received their booster shots.