Tag: COVID-19

COVID-19 Crisis: Around 100 million vaccine doses in stock for the entire Philippines according to Galvez

COVID-19 Crisis: Around 100 million vaccine doses in stock for the entire Philippines according to Galvez

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Recently vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr., stated that the Philippines has more or less one hundred million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in stock, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. What is clearly lacking, however, is the specific brands for the current vaccine stockpile.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

More or less 100 million doses of vaccines against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are still in the government’s stockpile and will be used to vaccinate some 28 million to 30 million Filipinos who remain unvaccinated.

Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., vaccine czar and chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, said the remaining doses are also enough for the booster shots of 25 million Filipinos.

“Mayroon po tayong babakunahan pa na primary series o ‘yung unang bakuna sa 28-30 million na katao (We have 28 to 30 million people who are on our primary list or those who are yet to receive the vaccines,” said Galvez.

“Though ‘yung 100 million doses na nasa stockpile po natin ay sapat sa remaining primary series ng unvaccinated at para sa 25 million na eligible ngayong quarter for boosters (The 100 million doses in our stockpile are enough for the remaining primary series of unvaccinated and for the 25 million who are eligible for booster this (first) quarter),” he added.

As of January 10, a total of 114,263,805 vaccine doses have been administered nationwide. Of this number, 52,856,932 individuals are already fully vaccinated.

The vaccination and booster shots that are being eyed to be completed with the first quarter of this year (January to March) is part of the first milestone of the NTF Against COVID-19.

Galvez said they are also eyeing the completion of its target of vaccinating 90 million by the end of the second quarter.

As seen in the above article, there was no breakdown as to what brands of vaccines are part of the current national supply. As it is believed that the Omicron variant is the cause behind the current COVID-19 surge around the country, the national authorities as well as the local government units (LGUs) should seriously consider acquiring a lot more Sputnik vaccines (for more on Sputnik vaccines effectiveness against Omicron variant, click here and here) to really help entire nation. It’s high time for the Philippines to negotiate with their Russian counterparts for more Sputnik vaccines. Take note that the nation of Tunisia approved the use of the single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine as their universal booster.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think that the current supply of COVID-19 vaccines for the entire Philippines will be fully used by the end of June 2022? Are you very conscious about what brands of vaccines the government keeps on ordering and receiving? Are there people in your local community who remain unvaccinated because of phobia towards vaccines or needles?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

COVID-19 Crisis: Philippine economy expected to grow 6% to 7% this year

COVID-19 Crisis: Philippine economy expected to grow 6% to 7% this year

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Even though there are lots of news reports and social media updates about the current COVID-19 surge here in the Philippines, there is still the expectation that the national economy will grow 6% to 7% this year, according to an article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine News Agency article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine economy is expected to return to its 6 to 7-percent growth trajectory in 2022 after nearly two years of grappling with the pandemic despite the threat of the Omicron variant, according to the investment banking arm of the Metrobank Group.

First Metro Investment Corporation (FMIC) said this year’s economic growth will be driven by sustained domestic demand, easing inflation, election expenditures, and accelerated government spending on infrastructure projects.

“Notwithstanding the ongoing pandemic, and Omicron sparking the third wave of infections, we are still optimistic that Philippine growth will further accelerate and get back on its trajectory of 6-7 percent in 2022,” FMIC president Jose Patricio Dumlao said in a virtual briefing Tuesday.

Dumlao said the economy registered a 4.9-percent growth in the first three quarters of 2021 and the growth momentum likely spilled over in the fourth quarter given further economic reopening and easing mobility restrictions.

He added business and consumer confidence are also cautiously positive given wider availability of vaccines and relaxation of lockdowns, quarantine measures, and mobility restrictions.

University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) economist Dr. Victor Abola said the 6 to 7 percent gross domestic product (GDP) projection this year will be led by the industry sector –both construction and manufacturing.

Abola said services will still be the lagging sector as the pandemic measures hit hotels and restaurants.

“The Philippine situation is that there is recovery but still on the way to reach the pre-pandemic levels,” he said.

The country’s GDP posted a -9.5 percent full-year growth rate in 2020 compared to its 5.9 percent pre-pandemic performance in 2019.

Abola said the business process outsourcing (BPO) is a major contributor to the resiliency of the economy amid the pandemic.

“And it’s not the same as usual call centers, etc. You can see there are new, emerging segments and that is what companies are focusing on,” he said, citing insurance, life sciences, healthcare, and data analytics, among others.

Aside from BPO revenues, FMIC chairman Francisco Sebastian said the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) remittances are boosting the economy.

It would be nice to see such economic expectations come true because the Philippines still has yet to recover the massive economic loss of 2020 (the first year of the pandemic). Apart from COVID-19 infections, there is also the factor of governance linked with declaring restrictions that can get in the way of economic recovery and make things harder for everyone. Do not forget the August 2021 sudden ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) declaration (additional reference here) and the ban on outdoor exercise within the national capital region that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are responsible for. There was also the national government’s flip-flop on declaring quarantine statuses of September 2021. Think about all the economic damage caused by those three developments!

With the May 2022 national and local elections coming, we can only hope that those in government – especially the Metro Manila local government units – will set aside their egos and make decisions wisely. The nation’s economy cannot afford another massive lockdown as well!

With regards to the Omicron variant that was believed to be a factor behind the current COVID-19 surge around the country, the authorities should seriously consider acquiring a lot more Sputnik vaccines (for more on Sputnik vaccines effectiveness against Omicron variant, click here and here).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you think that the Philippine economy will grow 6% to 7% this year even though there is a COVID-19 surge of new infections happening? Do you believe that government officials will do better in making hard decisions related to the current surge?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Council passes ordinance regulating movement of unvaccinated individuals

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Council passes ordinance regulating movement of unvaccinated individuals

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The Muntinlupa City Council passed an ordinance limiting the mobility of unvaccinated individuals following the consensus of Metro Manila mayors to enforce such restrictions.

Majority Floor Leader Coun. Raul Corro said the city council has approved an ordinance on Monday adapting MMDA Resolution No. 22-01 series of 2022 which urges Metro Manila Local Government Units to enact ordinances on the enhanced restrictions of the unvaccinated individuals and regulation of their mobility.

Corro added that the initiative is due to the alarming rise in active cases of COVID-19 and aims to pre-empt the adverse impact of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant.

Under the local ordinance, all unvaccinated individuals Muntinlupa shall “remain in their residences at all times except for the procurement of essential goods and services.”

Unvaccinated residents are also prohibited in indoor and al fresco dining in restaurants, food establishments, malls, hotels, event venues, sports and country clubs.

In addition, those who are not vaccinated will not be allowed domestic travel via public transportation by land, sea, and air except for the procurement of essential goods and services subject to the production of proof to support and justify such travel.

While those in the workforce who haven’t received their COVID-19 vaccine yet shall be required to undergo an RT-PCR test every two (2) weeks at their personal expense and present a COVID-19 negative result prior to being admitted for work onsite consistent with the guidelines, rules, and regulations issued by the IATF and the Department of Labor and Employment.

However, in the event that the RT-PCR test or result is not immediately available, a Rapid Antigen Test may be utilized in lieu thereof.

Under the new ordinance, vaccination cards or RT-PCR tests will also be required from the public and government officials. Those availing the services of the City and Barangay shall be required to present Vaccination Card or RT-PCR result, physical or digital copy, showing proof of their full vaccination or negative COVID-19 status before entering any government office.

Elected officials and employees of the City and Barangay Government are also enjoined to follow the new regulation.

Violators will be penalized with a fine of P5,000.00 or imprisonment of one year. Under Republic Act No. 11332, a fine of Php 20,000.00 to Php 50,000.00 or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month but not more than six (6) months may also be imposed to violators.

Meanwhile, those who will falsify COVID-19 vaccine cards shall be prosecuted under Act No. 3815 or the Revised Penal Code, as amended, pursuant to Section 12 of Republic Act No. 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021.

The restrictions shall also cover individuals who reside outside of Muntinlupa but who work and travel to the city. The ordinance will be in effect during Alert Level 3 or higher and shall be automatically lifted once Alert Level 2 or lower is declared.

Recently, the City Government has required vaccination card or RT-PCR negative test from the public who will visit the City Government offices.

Muntinlupa City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela issued a memorandum ordering security personnel in Muntinlupa City Hall and other local government offices to require visitors to present their vaccination card or a negative RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test.

“Please be advised that everyone, including elected officials and department heads, entering the City Government of Muntinlupa (CGM) facilities must be required to present their Vaccination ID with proof that they are fully vaccinated (1st and 2nd dose) or they can present an RT –PCR  test result done within two (2) weeks,” the local memorandum states.

The cost of RT-PCR test will be charged at the expense of the visiting public.

Meanwhile, employees found in violation of the order will be administratively sanctioned in accordance with the CSC rules and regulations.

As of January 9, Muntinlupa City has 29,408 confirmed cases with 27,131 recoveries, 1,695 active cases, 582 reported deaths, 0 suspect case, and 770 probable cases.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  HavenorFantasy@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: More police personnel deployed in malls and hotels in Muntinlupa City due to rising cases

COVID-19 Crisis: More police personnel deployed in malls and hotels in Muntinlupa City due to rising cases

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The Muntinlupa City Police Station recently deployed additional personnel and roving teams in malls and hotels amid the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the city.

MCPS chief-of-police Col. Melecio Buslig ordered the deployment of additional policemen in local malls to help implement the “No Vax Card, No Entry” policy.

Earlier, Metro Manila mayors signed MMDA Resolution 22-01, series of 2022 imposing restrictions and regulation on the movement of unvaccinated individuals, except for essential trips.

Col. Buslig and members of Muntinlupa City Health Office have also visited local hotels which serve as Quarantine Facilities for returning Overseas Filipino Workers for monitoring and inspection.

Local officials held a dialogue and lateral coordination with the Managers and Security Officers of the hotels on their concerns in implementing quarantine policies and reiterated the deployment of additional personnel in their hotel to apprehend any violators.

Further, Muntinlupa CHO ramped up its COVID-19 testing activities and vaccination efforts. At the Museo ng Muntinlupa grounds, city residents are lining up to undergo rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen and RT-PCR testing.

Those who test positive for COVID-19 are endorsed to quarantine facilities if requirements for home quarantine are not met. Under City Ordinance 2020-106, all COVID-19 cases including asymptomatic, mild, probable, suspected cases, and close contacts are mandated to undergo quarantine at home or in the city’s isolation facilities.

In addition, the City Government activated its “Rolling Bakuna” for mobile vaccination at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex in Bgy. Tunasan to inoculate people.

As of January 5, at least 444,539 doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered in the city or 116% of the target. Of the total, 369,044 were fully vaccinated or 96% of the target. While, at least 29,029 received their booster shot.

Meanwhile, the City Government launched the pre-registration of minors aged 5 to 11 years old for COVID-19 vaccination.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi urged parents and guardians to register their children to the Muntinlupa City COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac) as protection from the adverse effect of COVID-19.

Muntinlupa residents under the 5-11 age group may be pre-registered online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac. The public may choose the category “Pediatric A3 (5-11 yrs. old)” for those with co-morbidities and category “Pediatric/Rest of the Pediatric Population (5-11 yrs. old)” for well-child population or those without co-morbidities.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  HavenorFantasy@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Marikina City Mayor Teodoro says use of face shields remains optional within the city

COVID-19 Crisis: Marikina City Mayor Teodoro says use of face shields remains optional within the city

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With the current surge of new COVID-19 infections affecting the Philippines as a whole, a lot of people have gotten worried about their health as well as the return of certain restrictions such as the mandatory use of face shields which themselves are known to be inconvenient to use and make verbal communication a chore.

In the City of Marikina, mayor Marcy Teodoro publicly clarified recently that the use of face shields within the city remains optional, not required, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. To be clear, Marikina’s City Government previously announced that face shield use was mandatory and the mayor had to make things clear.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Marikina City local government on Sunday, Jan. 9, clarified that the use of face shield in the city is still optional.

This after the city government announced the mandatory use of face shields in vaccination centers last Jan. 5.

“Nililinaw ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Marikina na hindi mandatory ang pagsusuot ng face shield sa siyudad (The Marikina City local government is clarifying that wearing of face shields is not mandatory in the city),” Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said in a statement.

He added that there is no affiliated penalty for residents who are not wearing face shields within the city.

Teodoro said wearing of face shields is just a part of the safety and additional precautions against the virus, especially in congested areas.

“Dahil ito nga ay optional, walang kaakibat na penalty o multa ang hindi pagsusuot ng face shield. Kundi ito ay bahagi lamang ng ibayong pag-iingat o added precaution sa crowded o congested areas (Because it is optional, there is no penalty or fine for not wearing a face shield. It is only part of the added precaution in crowded or congested areas),” the mayor said.

The city government, meanwhile, encouraged its residents to use face shields in crowded places for additional protection against COVID-19.

With COVID-19 infection very high nationwide, there were rumors floating around that a total lockdown would happen. The fact that the COVID-19 positivity within Metro Manila is high added to the anxieties and worries.

While the clarification on face shields made by Marikina’s mayor provided relief to their constituents, it is important for Metro Manila residents to watch closely the moves of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the mayors comprising the Metro Manila Council (MMC) with regards to implementing more restrictions in reaction to the COVID-19 surge.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you worried that the high COVID-19 infections of the nation will result another lockdown and the return of multiple restrictions? Are you willing to accept the mandatory use of face shields?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccination registration for patients aged 5 to 11 officially launched in Muntinlupa City

COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccination registration for patients aged 5 to 11 officially launched in Muntinlupa City

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The COVID-19 situation is getting worse at the moment here in the Philippines and Metro Manila is literally the hot spot of new infections. As the City of Parañaque launched news rules targeting the unvaccinated people and the local businesses within their jurisdiction, the COVID-19 vaccine registration process for younger minors (aged 5 to 11) in the City of Muntinlupa was officially launched according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government launched the registration for COVID-19 vaccination of minors aged 5 to 11 years old.

Included in the registration are 5-to-11-year-olds with and without comorbidities. The registration was launched to make a master list of kids for vaccination while the city government is awaiting final guidelines from the Department of Health (DOH).

According to the Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO), a total of 260 minors aged 5 to 11 have registered for vaccination to date.

Former Food and Drug Administration Director General Eric Domingo announced last Dec. 23 that the agency approved the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be used for 5 to 11-year-olds.

He said the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) and the Department of Health (DOH) were planning to roll out the vaccination of 5 to 11-year-olds as early as January but it would depend on the supply.

“It will depend if they have already ordered or if they have already secured [supply], already bought supplies for the vaccine for children and if they are ready to roll out. The plan is really as early as January,” he said.

According to Domingo, Pfizer applied for the EUA for 5 to 11 years old at the end of November, saying, “This vaccine is already being used in children in many countries such as the US, in Europe and in Canada and upon the review of the technical documents and the evaluation of the US FDA recommendations, our experts have found that data submitted is sufficient for the EUA approval.”

“It is reasonable to believe that the vaccine may be effective to prevent COVID-19 and the benefits of vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks.”

The dosage that will be administered to minors aged 5 to 11 years old will be lower than those given to adults and 12 to 17 years old.

The above article ended stating that to register online, users should click https://vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and choose from “Pediatric A3 (5-11 yrs. old)” – with comorbidities or “Pediatric/Rest of the Pediatric Population (5-11 yrs. old)” – without comorbidities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what can you say about this latest local development? If you are a parent living in Muntinlupa with children aged 5 to 11, are you willing to have them registered for vaccination right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Chinese nationals and one Filipino arrested in Parañaque City

Chinese nationals and one Filipino arrested in Parañaque City

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As the nation struggles with the worsening COVID-19 crisis in relation to the local presence of the Omicron variant, a gang composed of five Chinese nationals and one Filipino got apprehended in  Parañaque City in connection to a kidnapping incident that happened recently according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…

Five Chinese nationals and a Filipino were arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap another Chinese in Parañaque City, the Southern Police District (SPD) reported Tuesday.

Based on the report submitted by the Parañaque City police, SPD Director, Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraig, identified the suspects as Hu Yang, 34; Zhang Jie, 28; Cen Sha Lu, 28; Shen Fa, 27; Han Xun, 33; and Hazel Cotaco, 37.

Macaraeg said the rescue operation stemmed from information received by Parañaque City Police around 4 a.m. on January 3 that Shaomen Hu, a 25-year-old Chinese businessman, was forcibly taken by the suspects at Monarch Park Suites and held captive at an unknown place.

Around 11 a.m. of the same day, Jie Sun, the interpreter and witness of the victim, received messages from the suspects that the victim was kidnapped and asking for ransom amounting to PHP700,000.

Police, whom Sun sought assistance from, arranged an operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects around 4 p.m. at a certain hotel along Bradco Avenue in Barangay Tambo.

Seized from Xun’s possession were one small heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing shabu with estimated weight of 1.75 grams, one small plastic tube straw color white containing traces of shabu, one gray clutch bag and marked money amounting to PHP20,000.

The suspects will be charged with the violation of Article 267 (Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention) of the Revised Penal Code.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think makes Parañaque City remain a hot spot for kidnapping? Do you believe kidnap-for-ransom will still happen within the city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Parañaque City’s new executive order targets unvaccinated individuals as well as local businesses

COVID-19 Crisis: Parañaque City’s new executive order targets unvaccinated individuals as well as local businesses

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Individuals in Parañaque City who remain unvaccinated for COVID-19 will have to brace themselves for a more restrictive form of new normal living within the city as a new executive order was approved to regulate them as well as local businesses, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez signed an executive order on Tuesday (Jan. 4) regulating the movement of unvaccinated individuals in the city while the National Capital Region (NCR) is under Alert Level 3.

Olivarez, in his order, stated that unvaccinated individuals must stay at home at all times and can only go out to buy essential goods.

The police and barangays were also ordered to reprimand or issue citation tickets to individuals found violating the order.

He warned individuals as well as business establishment owners against using fake COVID-19 vaccination cards and certificates.

The mayor also asked the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) to conduct monitoring on all business establishments in the city to make sure that only vaccinated individuals are allowed to work on site and must show proof of vaccination certificate from the Department of Health (DOH) and vaccination ID from the local government.

The above report ended stating that business establishments are also prohibited from catering or allowing the entry of unvaccinated individuals into their premises.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Parañaque City who still is unvaccinated, do you find the new executive order discriminating or excessive with regulating you? If you are managing a business in the city, do you think the local authorities will be fair when it comes to monitoring the individuals (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) entering your business location? Is the City Government doing the right thing? Will this new executive order make life worse in the city? Do you think that the new executive order will present the spread of Omicron, Delta and Lambda variants in the city at all?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

COVID-19 Crisis: Philippines should have more Sputnik vaccines to combat Omicron variant

COVID-19 Crisis: Philippines should have more Sputnik vaccines to combat Omicron variant

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While it is nice to know that my native Philippines has secured over two hundred million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and the vaccination operations around the country include the issuance of booster shots, I honestly believe that more Sputnik vaccines (Sputnik V, Sputnik Light and the upcoming new Sputnik vaccine designed with Omicron in mind) are needed in the country and more of them should be secured especially since the Omicron variant is infecting more people locally.

In 2021, the Philippines received millions of Sputnik V vaccines but too little of the single-dose Sputnik Light. Good thing that the Philippines will negotiate for more Sputnik Light vaccines because in recent news, Sputnik Light has been approved in Tunisia as a universal booster!

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the SputnikVaccine.com press release. Some parts in boldface…

Moscow, December 29, 2021 – The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund) announces the approval of the Russian one-shot Sputnik Light vaccine against coronavirus as a universal booster shot by Tunisia’s Ministry of Health.

Sputnik Light is based on recombinant human adenovirus serotype number 26 (the first component of Sputnik V). A one-shot vaccination regimen of Sputnik Light provides for ease of administration and helps to increase efficacy and duration of other vaccines when used as a booster shot. Sputnik Light has already been authorized in more than 30 countries.

Clinical studies and the real-world data in many countries have demonstrated that Sputnik Light is a safe and effective vaccine when used both on a standalone basis and as a booster.

A study in Argentina on heterogeneous regimens combining Sputnik Light and vaccines produced by AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Moderna and Cansino has demonstrated that Sputnik Light is an effective universal booster. Each “vaccine cocktail” combination with Sputnik Light provided higher antibody titer on 14th day after administering the second dose as compared to original homogenous (same vaccine as first and second dose) regimens of each of the vaccines.

A preliminary study of the Gamaleya Center has found Sputnik Light significantly increases virus neutralizing activity against Omicron based on sera 2-3 months after revaccination with 100% of individuals revaccinated with Sputnik Light as a booster having developed neutralizing antibodies against this variant. Sputnik Light booster is recommended to strengthen efficacy of vaccines against Omicron. Boosting by Sputnik Light can strengthen and lengthen the quickly waning efficacy of many vaccines in light of combined Delta and Omicron challenge.

Sputnik Light efficacy data:

  • Sputnik Light has been proven to be safe and highly effective by real-world vaccination data. In particular, data from the Ministry of Health of Buenos Aires (Argentina) has demonstrated standalone efficacy of Sputnik Light between 78.6-83.7% among the elderly (over 40,000 people of 60-79 years old), which is higher than that of many two-dose vaccines.
  • Findings by the Gamaleya Center based on data collected in Moscow have demonstrated Sputnik Light vaccine administered standalone has 70% efficacy against infection from the Delta variant of coronavirus during the first three months after vaccination. The vaccine is 75% effective among subjects under the age of 60. Sputnik V and Sputnik Light are based on a safe and effective human adenoviral vector platform and have not been associated with rare serious adverse events following vaccination, such as myocarditis or pericarditis.

Previously, it has been declared that Sputnik V and Sputnik Light are highly effective against the Omicron variant (referencing an article published in Vaccines medical journal and international real-world data from numerous countries) and Gamaleya itself conducted a preliminary study confirming the findings.

As for the Omicron variant situation here in the Philippines, Sputnik vaccines would be more crucial for public health especially since there are many Filipinos who have been vaccinated with the Sinovac vaccine which according to a recent study was found to be weaker versus Omicron. Once the Sinovac protection has faded away, there is the potential of a wave of new COVID-19 infections caused by the Omicron variant. Right now, we can only hope that the Philippines is negotiating with their counterparts in Russia to acquire many millions of new doses of Sputnik V, Sputnik Light and the upcoming new Sputnik (designed with Omicron in mind).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Have you been vaccinated previously with Sputnik V or Sputnik Light? If you were fully vaccinated with Sinovac, do you prefer a Sputnik vaccine to be your booster shot?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Hall to require vaccination card or RT-PCR test from visitors

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Hall to require vaccination card or RT-PCR test from visitors

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Following the consensus of Metro Manila mayors to impose restrictions regulating the movement of unvaccinated individuals, the City Government of Muntinlupa will be requiring vaccination card or RT-PCR negative test from the public who will visit City Government offices.

Muntinlupa City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela issued a memorandum ordering security personnel in Muntinlupa City Hall and other local government offices to require visitors to present their vaccination card or a negative RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test.

“Please be advised that everyone, including elected officials and department heads, entering the City Government of Muntinlupa (CGM) facilities must be required to present their Vaccination ID with proof that they are fully vaccinated (1st and 2nd dose) or they can present an RT –PCR  test result done within two (2) weeks,” the local memorandum states.

The cost of RT-PCR test will be charged at the expense of the visiting public.

Meanwhile, employees found in violation of the order will be administratively sanctioned in accordance with the CSC rules and regulations. The Muntinlupa City Council is set to pass an ordinance for the tightening of mobility restrictions for unvaccinated individuals.

Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) has recorded a significant increase in active cases following the celebration of the holidays and New Year’s Eve. From five (5) active cases last December 20, 2021, it has spiked to 295 active cases last January 3, 2021.

Muntinlupa CHO chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi urged the public to take extra caution and strictly follow the minimum public health protocols amid the increase in COVID-19 cases in the city. Bunyi also appealed to city residents to get vaccinated as protection from the adverse effects of the virus.

City residents may register online through the city’s COVID-19 vaccination registration system via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac.

The local health officer earlier advised the strengthening of contact tracers and barangay health emergency response teams (BHERTs) and strict implementation of mandatory quarantine of COVID-19 positive individuals to isolation facilities.

Under City Ordinance 2020-106, all COVID-19 cases including asymptomatic, mild, probable, suspected cases, and close contacts are mandated to undergo quarantine at home or in the city’s isolation facilities if requirements for home quarantine are not met as certified by CHO.

As of January 3, Muntinlupa City has a total of 27,917 confirmed cases, 27,043 recoveries, 579 reported deaths, 1 suspect case, and 60 probable cases.

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The above information was sourced from an official press release. Some parts were changed for this website.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  HavenorFantasy@twitter.com as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

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