STRICT scheduling will be implemented and pre-registration for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination will be required, the Department of Health (DOH) 7 announced on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.
This is after the imposition of stricter and higher community quarantine classification in some areas in the region, specifically in Cebu.
The DOH, however, said local government units can still allow senior citizens to access vaccination centers without prior registration, provided that minimum public health standards are observed.
Vaccination in medical centers and hospitals are also suspended during enhanced community quarantine.
"If the vaccination site is inside the hospital, yes (suspended), but if it’s like the University of Cebu Medical Center, it is in their medical arts building, so they can continue," Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, Visayas Covid-19 Vaccination Operations Center (VVOC) spokesperson, said.
Loreche said these guidelines apply to areas placed under enhanced and modified enhanced community quarantine (ECQ and MECQ) status.
In Cebu, only the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu Lapu are under MECQ until Aug. 15 while Cebu Province is under general community quarantine with heightened restriction.
The DOH 7 also reminded the vaccine recipients to take the shortest transportation route possible in going to and from the vaccination sites and observe minimal vehicle transfer.
Those experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms or has exposure to a confirmed Covid-19 patient in the last 14 days are asked to defer their vaccination and communicate with their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams for appropriate medical attention.
Meanwhile, Loreche reported that a total of 427,610 individuals in the region have already received their complete doses, either with the two doses or the single-shot vaccine.
In Cebu, a total of 297,815 are already fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, Aug. 4; Bohol has 56,438 fully vaccinated individuals; Negros Oriental, 54,168, and Siquijor with 19,189 fully vaccinated individuals.
Of the 297,815 fully vaccinated individuals in Cebu, a total of 115,510 are in Cebu City; 49,266 in Mandaue City; 29,973 in Lapu-Lapu City, and 103,066 in Cebu Province. (WBS)