In observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine News Agency’s online news service will be off on March 29, Good Friday, and March 30, Black Saturday. Normal operations will resume on March 31, Easter Sunday.

— The Editors

Prioritize front-liners’ housemates to avoid cluster infection

<p>Philippine Red Cross chair and CEO Senator Richard Gordon <em>(PNA file photo)</em></p>

Philippine Red Cross chair and CEO Senator Richard Gordon (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The national government must include family and household members of healthcare and economic front-liners on its Covid-19 vaccination priority list, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and chief executive officer, Senator Richard Gordon, proposed to the Department of Health (DOH).

Gordon recommended to DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III in a letter on Thursday that the government prioritize front-liners, their families, and other companions to prevent a household from being exposed to and infected with Covid-19.

As of this writing, the government is vaccinating medical workers in health facilities (A1), senior citizens (A3), and persons with comorbidities (A3).

Depending on available supplies, the A4 group (front-liners in other essential sectors) may be vaccinated by June.

“Our healthcare and economic workers face the danger of being exposed to the virus every day and are even more burdened with worry that they might bring the virus to their homes. Prioritizing their household members will allay their fears and boost their morale, knowing that they can return to their families safely after working in the frontlines,” Gordon said in a news release.

“We need to alleviate the suffering of our Covid-19 patients by setting up facilities that will give them the best medical care, which fully vaccinated and wholly supported healthcare workers can help provide. It is crucial that we also uplift the dignity of our workers who hold the frontlines against this deadly virus to provide for their families and serve the nation,” he added.

Gordo said the PRC is ready to mobilize its 103 chapters nationwide to vaccinate Filipinos.

“The Philippine Red Cross is willing and ready to help the government to reinforce our defense against the virus by vaccinating our people,” Gordon added. “Especially with the looming typhoon season, we need to make hay while the sun shines and reach the most vulnerable even in geographically isolated areas.”

To expand its vaccination services, PRC is planning to establish at least three Bakuna Centers per chapter nationwide with a manpower complement of 3,300 trained volunteer doctors, nurses, and staff.

PRC is negotiating for its own supply of vaccines and administration services to private groups.

“The Red Cross has the manpower, the resources, and the compassion to reach out to our people and prevent them from getting sick. We will continue to work with the national government and restarting our economy can begin in earnest,” Gordon said. (PR)

 

Comments