6,000 CAR health workers receive COVID-19 jab

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Almost 6,000 healthcare workers in the Cordilleras have been inoculated with anti-COVID vaccine.

As of Saturday, a total of 5,795 healthcare workers and personnel of different hospitals and health facilities received Sinovac, while 618 others were inoculated with AstraZeneca vaccine.

The region received 7,800 Sinovac doses, which were distributed in different provinces and cities. Distribution of the AstraZeneca is ongoing.

Baguio City and Benguet each received an initial allocation of AstraZeneca.

Meanwhile, the outbreak in the business process outsourcing companies in Baguio had been contained.

Close monitoring of employees and engagements with the firms for enhancement of health and safety measures are ongoing.

The city government said it is properly handling the spike in the COVID cases with its well-placed control systems.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said a surge in the cases among hospital workers had been observed and is being addressed.

Magalong said contact tracing and other preventive measures continue for the city’s lone B117 or UK variant case.

He did not rule out the possibility of an outbreak of the new variant, noting the easing of border protocols.

He said measures would be imposed including the possible return of the testing requirement for travelers.