VACCINE SUPPORT. United States Embassy Charge d’ Affairs John Law (3rd from left) signs the guest book of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera after being formally welcomed by PRO-Cordillera Director Police Brigadier General R’win Pagkalinawan on March 12, 2021. Law assured the support of the US government in the country’s ongoing Covid-19 vaccine rollout. (Jonathan Llanes)
VACCINE SUPPORT. United States Embassy Charge d’ Affairs John Law (3rd from left) signs the guest book of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera after being formally welcomed by PRO-Cordillera Director Police Brigadier General R’win Pagkalinawan on March 12, 2021. Law assured the support of the US government in the country’s ongoing Covid-19 vaccine rollout. (Jonathan Llanes)

US to help Philippines in Covid-19 vaccine support

THE Embassy of the United States in the Philippines reaffirmed its support to the country to protect public health and strengthen the response to Covid-19.

US Embassy Charge d’ Affaires John Law, in his visit to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Cordillera in Camp Bado Dangwa on March 12, said the US government’s Covid-19 assistance to the Philippines has amounted to more than P1.1 billion ($23.4 million).

On March 4, the US Embassy welcomed the successful arrival of 487,200 doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to the Philippines made available through the Covax Advance Market Commitment, a global initiative to support equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.

The US already has donated P97.2 billion ($2 billion) to Covax, by far the largest contribution, to ensure the Philippines and other countries receive Covid-19 vaccines.

“We feel like that was a fairer and more even handed approach because so many countries around the world are in need of the vaccine but certainly, the United States, because of our long partnership with the Philippines, is working closely with Philippine institutions to strengthen their ability to distribute the vaccine,” Law said.

The US Embassy is working with the Department of Health to work on vaccination administration, protocol and procedures, aside from providing assistance throughout the pandemic.

“Things like personal protective equipments, ventilators and others and we will continue to work with our Philippine partners in any way we possibly can,” Law added.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy official clarified that travel to US coming from the Philippines is still permitted provided prospective individuals undergo Covid-19 testing within a certain period of time before traveling to the US.

“Unfortunately, because of the pandemic restrictions, right now the US Embassy is not able to process new visa applications but for those who have visa, there are no restrictions on travel although it is necessary to be tested,” Law added.

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