Vaccine not sole basis for relaxing quarantine – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — Having COVID-19 vaccines is not the only basis for tightening or easing community quarantine levels, the Department of Health (DOH) said, noting that the number of cases and health care capacity are the most “rational ways” of making decisions.

At a press briefing yesterday, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the Inter-Agency Task Force has set parameters that determine the level of community restriction.

“We cannot rely on the vaccination of our population to say whether we can ease the restriction or not at this point in time. This is because we know the vaccines will come in tranches,” Vergeire added.

Aside from this, she said there is no evidence yet that vaccination can prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We know it will only reach full potential if a person is given two doses. So there are many considerations for this immunization,” she added.

Last Monday, OCTA Research Team suggested relaxing restrictions in Metro Manila, as COVID-19 vaccination will be rolled out this month.

To ensure smooth vaccination of medical frontliners, Vergeire said DOH would come up with a master list of recipients provided by participating hospitals and health care facilities.

“We are still waiting for it to be completed. But we are assured that we can complete this by Feb. 15,” she said.

Vergeire also said the DOH had the “pre-submission” of master lists, where health and non-health workers from frontline services were profiled. Information collected will be consolidated to prevent duplication and track those who will be inoculated.