(File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday has ordered all of its units to start preparations in securing the nationwide rollout of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination for minors next week.
“I am ordering all police units to start security preparations for the expected vaccination of all minors which could begin next week. Police commanders nationwide should get in touch with their LGUs (local government units) to be able to effectively craft security plans with the aim of enforcing minimum public health standards and ensuring the safety of minors and their parents,” said PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, in a statement.
This came as the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said the nationwide inoculation of children aged 12 to 17 will start on November 3.
National Task Force against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the national government is eyeing to finish the vaccination of minors by December of this year to protect them from severe Covid-19 infection.
Meanwhile, Eleazar said the strict enforcement of minimum public health standards and safety protocols will remain amid the possible downgrade of the National Capital Region (NCR) to Alert Level 2, which means increased mobility and operational capacity of businesses and other establishments.
This, as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Metro Manila mayors are prepared for a shift to the more relaxed quarantine status, following the continued improvement in the region's Covid-19 situation.
The region is under Alert Level 3 until October 31.
“We will not only be enforcing health protocols but we will also enhance crime prevention efforts,” Eleazar said. (PNA)
