SOME 40,000 doses of Sinovac are expected to arrive soon in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, according to acting town mayor Floribar Bautista.

Bautista said in a phone interview that Dr. Leslie Ann Luces of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) announced this in a meeting with Boracay's stakeholders Saturday night, February 27, 2021, at La Carmela Resort.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque earlier announced that Covid-19 vaccines are expected to arrive in Manila anytime soon.

"The Sinovac will be used for tourism workers as recommended by the Department of Health," Bautista said.

The local government unit will start necessary preparations on Monday.

Bautista will be conducting a series of meetings among local government officials for the identification of vaccination sites and conduct of simulation exercises, among others.

"Already, the PHO has identified a cold storage facility in Kalibo for the vaccines. We also have in Barangay Sambiray subject to the assessment of the DoH," Bautista said.

The vaccination program is part of the preparations of the government to open Boracay to international tourists.

Meanwhile, Bautista has issued Executive Order (EO) Number 6 series of 2021, extending curfew hours in Boracay now from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Prior to the EO, the curfew in Boracay is from 11 pm to 5 am. (SunStar Philippines)