For unvaxxed minors: Stricter rules in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City will put stricter measures in place to ensure that minors ages 12 to 17 who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 will enter malls and other indoor venues only to be vaccinated.

“Kanang musod sa mall nga mga unvaccinated minors, siguradohon gyud nato nga sa vaccination site sila muadto og dili himuong excuse nga magpabakuna sila para makalusot,” said City Health Department chief, Dr. Jeffrey Ibones.

Ibones said the city will assign personnel at these establishments to guide and monitor the minors who enter primarily for vaccination.  A separate entrance and exit is also being considered.

For now, only two sites are available for pediatric vaccination – Robinson’s Cybergate and SM Seaside City. The third site for minors, the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), is closed currently for disinfection. Aside from CCSC, two other regular vaccination sites will also be closed today for disinfection, the Ayala Center-Cebu, and Iconique Mall.

Under Section 21 of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s Executive Order 157, “No Vaccination, No Entry” policy in indoor venues and establishments had been imposed.

“In general, only Covid-19 fully vaccinated persons, ages twelve (12) and above are allowed to enter close and indoor venues and establishments including malls and Department Stores. Children eleven (11) years old and below shall not be accommodated and allowed entry in malls and the said venues,” the executive order reads.

The EO also states that minors 12 to 17 who are fully vaccinated may enter the establishments as long as they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated responsible adult, guardian, or parent.

The city is tightening its restrictions on unvaccinated minors as more and more children are getting infected by the coronavirus – at least 231 under 10 years old as of January 21.

There is yet no COVID vaccine for minors below 12 years old. The city is experiencing a resurgence of cases believed to be spurred by the Omicron variant. From less than 30 before Christmas in 2021, its number of active cases ballooned quickly to 6,683 by January 22, based on data from the Department of Health (DOH)-7.

Vaxx Sites

While vaccination sites are being disinfected, vaccinators and other personnel are advised to use the time to take a much-needed rest.

About 20 others who are experiencing COVID symptoms have been advised to isolate. Today, January 24, at least 14 vaccination sites will be open to the public – Robinson’s Galleria and Cybergate, SM City Cebu and Seaside City, UC Banilad, Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City Hall 1&2, Apas gym, Cogon-Pardo gym, Buhisan gym, Duljo-Fatima gym, Labangon Bliss Elementary School, and Lahug Elementary School gym.

Ibones said they are hoping that Southwestern University PHINMA and Cebu Institute of Technology-University can also be used as vaccination sites again soon. The two schools are undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining damage from Typhoon Odette.

Cebu City continues to accommodate vaccines from other local government units through its “Big Brother” program but Ibones appealed to non-city residents for understanding if they could not be accommodated immediately.

Vaccination sites have a cut-off time and set a number of vaccinees per day to ensure that social distancing is observed at all times and vaccinators will not be too overwhelmed with workload.—JMO (FREEMAN)