Tag: COVID-19

COVID-19 Crisis: New Las Piñas City vaccination sites at SM Center and SM Southmall opened for patients

COVID-19 Crisis: New Las Piñas City vaccination sites at SM Center and SM Southmall opened for patients

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Good news for all those based in Las Piñas City needing vaccines for COVID-19! It was reported by the Manila Bulletin that two new vaccination sites were opened which reflects the cooperation between the City Government and SM.

To be more specific, the new vaccination sites are located within the premises of SM Southmall and SM Center Las Piñas.

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

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed appreciation to the management of SM Center and SM Southmall for offering spaces in their malls as vaccination sites.

Aguilar said the two COVID-19 vaccination sites that will open starting Wednesday (May 19) are located at the activity area of SM Center on the second floor and at the cinema section of SM Southmall on the fourth floor.

She said the two sites are additional to the 12 current vaccination areas serving the residents from 20 barangays in the city.

The mayor said the two new vaccination sites can now accommodate more patients who wanted to be inoculated.

Aguilar said the new sites would initially accept about 200 senior citizens and adults with comorbidities on the first day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We are happy that a growing number of residents are now willing to be vaccinated as we have been encouraging them all along, stressing the importance of their protection from the fatal effects of COVID-19,” Aguilar said.

To date, those who were given the first dose of vaccines are already on their second dose and being scheduled along with the residents in categories 2 and 3.

The above report ended with an official count of 37,364 people in the city already vaccinated for the first dose and over 10,000 vaccinated with their second dose, according to the local CHO or City Health Office.

The newest vaccination sites with SM involved are a blessing. The City Government is dedicated on serving Las Piñas residents while SM has a long-term record of customer care and utilizing their available commercial spaces for vaccinating the locals is worth admiring. Technically, having more vaccination sites can somehow decongest the incoming traffic of patients at the other vaccination sites.

In relation to this, SM Southmall made an official moment yesterday via their Facebook page. Below is an excerpt. Some parts in bold…

In accordance and full cooperation with Las Piñas City Office & Health Office, SM Southmall is opening its door as a vaccination site today, May 19, 2021, from 8am to 6pm at 3rd Level, Cinema Lobby.

The vaccination will prioritize (A2) Senior Citizens and (A3) Persons with comorbidities.

We are encouraging everyone to register online thru this link bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination and patiently wait for an SMS regarding your vaccination schedule and designated site.

❌Strictly NO walk-ins❌

For additional questions and concerns, you may call the ff. hotline below:

•09271400554 •09271400542 •09271400547 •09605140383 •09605140382 •09605140381

Below are visual instructions, including the QR code.

Take note of the details above, notably the confirmation that walk-ins will not be accepted. Registration and confirmation should happen first before you visit any vaccination site. Also check out these photos of the SM Southmall vaccination site below. Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery personally visited the said site.

The encoding and vaccination areas at the brand new vaccination site inside SM Southmall. (source – SM Southmall Facebook page)
Patients getting monitored. (source – SM Southmall Facebook page)
Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery (standing) observing the vaccination of a patient. (source – SM Southmall Facebook page)

For the newcomers reading this, get to know the ways to get registered by clicking right here. There are details and images with instructions included. For more insight about COVID-19 developments in Las Piñas, read about the number of people who got vaccinated as well as the announcement of an additional isolation center.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you a Las Piñas resident who is happy to learn about the brand-new vaccination sites made possible by SM Southmall and SM Center LP in coordination with the City Government? Does this latest development encourage you to get registered and line up for the free COVID-19 vaccine?

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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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: Long lines and a lot of people during the Pfizer vaccine launch in Parañaque City

COVID-19 Crisis: Long lines and a lot of people during the Pfizer vaccine launch in Parañaque City

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Let me ask you my readers based in Parañaque City – did you witness the launch of the Pfizer vaccine at a certain shopping mall in the city this past Monday (May 17)?

During that day, I spotted a lot of pictures and videos posted by Internet users on Facebook related to the Parañaque rollout of the Pfizer vaccine (note: Israel itself used vaccines of Pfizer). Those images showed very long lines of people trying to enter that shopping mall and many of the comments posted by users mentioned very long waiting times, confusion and frustration.

For starters, watch this related news video from GMA Network.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from yesterday’s Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in bold…

Parañaque City residents flocked a mall in the city on Monday (May 17), in hopes of getting vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, but many left the place disappointed and criticized the handling that they experienced.

A resident who requested anonymity, reached out to the Manila Bulletin and mentioned how the rollout became a “super-spreader” event mainly due to the reason that there was only one venue for the Pfizer vaccine rollout which was the mall, concentrating all residents in a single place.

“So the whole of Parañaque in A1 – A3 classifications came by because many didn’t get confirmation texts,” she said.

The resident mentioned that the city initially said in a post on the Facebook page of the Public Information Office on Sunday afternoon that “interested fellows” may come.

“By Sunday night, it was changed to those who have confirmed schedule. But what is a confirmed schedule? When people just get an email or text confirming a Patient ID,” she said.

“Also in the Sputnik rollout, walk-ins were allowed so naturally now people know that is possible so a lot came by,” she added.

It can be remembered that many residents were also eager to get inoculated during the pilot vaccination of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V in Parañaque City on May 4, and a lot of them were left fuming after they spent hours waiting without even getting the jab.

Meanwhile, the resident also claimed that the way the seniors were treated, they were just standing on snake lines spanning the whole transport terminal from morning until afternoon in the “sweltering heat”.

The resident, who belonged to the A3 category or persons with comorbidities, arrived at the mall at 7:40 a.m. with her husband who recovered from COVID-19. She said that marshals in the area also did not know how to respond and were sending people back in line which by 8:30 a.m. was already 2,000, according to her.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said in a report on 24 Oras that many walk-ins or those who did not receive a text confirmation for their schedule of vaccination arrived. He said that they were advised that there will be a specific time for them to come.

To be clear, this is not the first time that Parañaque residents joined the long line and got frustrated. In relation to the above report, the Manila Bulletin also published another report while the Pfizer rollout went on. This one includes summarized feedback from the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19. Check out the excerpt below…

What was supposed to be a momentous event turned out to be chaotic as the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine at a mall in Paranaque City on Monday, May 17, was heavily criticized for the poor handling of the vaccinees, resulting to violation of minimum health standards such as the observance of social distancing.

The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 expressed concern over the “obvious lack of social distancing” by the vaccinees during the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine at a mall along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard corner Aseana Avenue.

Prior to the rollout, the Paranaque City government announced that the event was “strictly intended for scheduled patients with secured slots” but photos and videos posted by netizens on social media showed that scores of people showed up at the venue and social distancing was no longer observed.

A netizen, Chinggay Kanapi, who posted photos of the vaccination event, described the incident as a “super spreader event” as she claimed that “thousands and thousands of people [were] milling around with no information where to fall in line.”

Kanapi told the Manila Bulletin that she initially waited at the parking lot of the mall where the vaccinees would have to enter before being allowed to get the vaccine but she was surprised to see that physical distancing was not observed.

“After so many hours waiting in that awful parking lot, my driver came up to me and said that there was an easier way. We passed thru McDo and entered the mall without being stopped. Then it was a breeze going thru the process in the vaccine area! I pity the ones outside who didn’t figure it out like my driver,” Kanapi said.

Long lines, uncomfortable conditions, alleged lack of care and precision, walk-ins happening, registered residents waiting longer than expected…these are unfortunate events that seem to be repeating in Parañaque, at least in the shopping mall that had the respective local launch events of Sputnik V and Pfizer vaccines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the launch of Pfizer vaccines in Parañaque? Do you believe the allegations are true? If you were among the many people who endured the long wait during the Sputnik V launch or during the Pfizer launch in Parañaque, how uncomfortable was the entire experience to you?

What do you think that the City Government of Parañaque should immediately do to make sure its citizens get vaccinated with the convenience and comfort in mind?

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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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: Muntinlupa ends Pfizer rollout, reminds residents to register online to avoid crowding in vaccination areas

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa ends Pfizer rollout, reminds residents to register online to avoid crowding in vaccination areas

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Reaching the target number of residents from priority groups and due to the sensitive cold-chain management, the City Government of Muntinlupa announced yesterday that it has ended its rollout for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

The Muntinlupa City Health Office was set to finish inoculating healthcare frontliners, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities with COVAX-donated Pfizer vaccines yesterday at Ayala Malls South Park, Alabang.

The vaccines were exclusively administered at Ayala Malls South Park, the only venue approved by the Department of Health (DOH) due to handling requirements, from May 14-18. The local health office targeted to vaccinate 3,510 individuals from the A1, A2, and A3 priority groups using Pfizer vaccines.

On May 13, Muntinlupa received 1,170 vials (7,020 doses) of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines from the national government. The remaining vials will be stored in the City Government’s partner storage facility Royal Cargo Logistics Center in Barangay Cupang as second dose allocation of vaccinated residents.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine was administered as a series of two doses 3 weeks apart. Inoculated residents will receive their second dose in June. The Philippines expects 2.2 million doses of the American-made vaccines through COVAX facility of the World Health Organization by end of May, according to vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr.

Further, Muntinlupa CHO will continue to inoculate remaining members of priority groups using AstraZeneca and Sinovac Life Sciences’ CoronaVac. On May 11, the national government delivered an additional 16,800 vials of AstraZeneca and 31,200 vials of Sinovac to Muntinlupa.

The City Government urged residents to register online in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac to avoid crowding in vaccination areas.

The public is reminded that walk-ins the city’s major vaccination sites including Ayala Malls South Park, Filinvest Steel Parking, SM Muntinlupa, and Sucat Covered Court will not be accommodated. Only those who are registered online will be given schedule in the major vaccination sites and will be notified via SMS.

For more inquiries, the public may reach the MunCoVac hotlines: 0956 358 9228 / 0915 805 5932 / 0915 806 7419 / 0960 588 5935 / 0960 588 5937 / 0998 249 4580.

Muntinlupa City has 12,359 confirmed cases with 10,976 recoveries, 1,057 active cases, 314 reported deaths, 88 suspect cases, and 1391 probable cases as of May 17.

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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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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: Over 90% of ECQ aid distributed to beneficiaries in NCR Plus

COVID-19 Crisis: Over 90% of ECQ aid distributed to beneficiaries in NCR Plus

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For NCR Plus (National Capital Region plus Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal provinces), the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) are both over. What is also over during this COVID-19 pandemic is the period of the distribution of the so-called Ayuda or financial assistance by the national government for NCR Plus-based low-income earners who got affected by the ECQ. Specifically, the distribution of the funds ended on May 15, 2021 (Saturday) and according to a news report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) – citing the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – over 90% of the funds were distributed.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA’s article. Some parts in bold…

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said the distribution of aid has reached 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion given to low-income earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus area as of May 15, the deadline set by the national government.

In a news release, the agency said 37 local government units (LGUs) reached 100 percent completion of aid distribution.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año said that amid all the challenges, the LGUs delivered their end of the bargain on the distribution of ‘ayuda’ to millions of beneficiaries, with most registering a 90 percent completion rate as of May 15.

He said the 91 percent distribution rate is a testament to the LGUs’ commitment to extend the most help they can give to their constituents.

“Alam ninyo po isang malaking hamon po talaga itong pamamahagi ng ayuda sa panahon ng pandemya at nakakatuwa na we saw the commitment of the LGUs (As you know, the distribution of the assistance at this time of a pandemic was a big challenge. We are elated with the commitment we saw from the LGUs). And now billions of pesos of financial assistance have reached our kababayans. The 91 percent or PHP21.06 billion ‘ayuda’ distributed to qualified beneficiaries is a victory for the LGUs and the national government,” Año said.

He explained that the remaining 9 percent represents the unclaimed ‘ayuda’ and they have granted the LGUs with unclaimed funds the authority to prepare a new payroll and distribute these to other affected individuals in their respective communities within 10 days.

“Despite diligent efforts by the LGUs, some of the beneficiaries did not claim their ‘ayuda’ because they have moved to the provinces or are no longer residing in their LGUs. Many of them were also delisted because they were found to be duplicates in the Social Amelioration Program list. The LGUs have started to prepare a new payroll in order to distribute these unclaimed funds,” he said.

On May 15, Año said Bulacan tallied the highest completion rate of 96.85 percent corresponding to PHP2.87 billion worth of financial assistance with 12 LGUs namely Balagtas, Baliwag, Bocaue, Calumpit, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Guiguinto, Norzagaray, Pandi, Paombong, Plaridel, San Miguel and, San Rafael finishing their ‘ayuda’ distribution.

Laguna tallied 19 LGUs which have completed aid distribution, the most among the whole NCR Plus bubble while garnering a high completion rate of 96.50 percent corresponding to PHP2.62 billion worth of financial aid distributed.

Among the LGUs which have completed distribution of ‘ayuda’ in Laguna are the cities of Biñan, Cabuyao, San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and the towns of Alaminos, Calauan, Famy, Kalayaan, Lumban, Mabitac, Magdalena, Nagcarlan, Paete, Pagsanjan, Pakil, Pila, Rizal and Siniloan.

Meanwhile, Rizal followed with 93.34 percent, NCR with 90.99 percent; and Cavite with 86.04 percent, with five LGUs including Tagaytay City, Amadeo, Mendez, Naic, and Noveleta completing the aid distribution.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s crime news report? Did your local government unit distribute the money with transparency and honesty? Do you believe your LGU achieved 100% completion of the ayuda distribution?

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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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: Almost 700 Muntinlupa City residents vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech on first day of availability

COVID-19 Crisis: Almost 700 Muntinlupa City residents vaccinated with Pfizer-BioNTech on first day of availability

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Almost seven hundred residents in Muntinlupa City were vaccinated for COVID-19 (China Virus) with vaccines of Pfizer-BioNTech on the first day of availability which was May 14. To be more specific, the official count was at 677 residents. Previously the City Government of Muntinlupa announced that their initial supply of the said vaccines would be maxed out by tomorrow (May 18) due to their sensitivity.

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

On the first day of the rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the city, 677 residents belonging to the A3 priority group, or persons with comorbidities, were inoculated.

The initial supply of the vaccine will be used by the city government from May 14 to 18 at its vaccination site at Ayala Malls South Park, the only venue approved by the Department of Health (DOH) due to handling requirements for Pfizer-BioNTech.

Before dilution, the vaccine needs to be stored at a temperature of -80 to -60 degrees Celsius.

After dilution, each vial of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine contains six doses of 0.3 mL each.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the vaccine is administered in two doses three weeks apart and is for people 16 years old and above.

The vaccine needs to be administered “within six hours from the time of dilution.”

Data from the Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) showed that as of May 14, a total of 29,436 residents have been vaccinated with their first dose.

Of the total, 5,171, or 17.57 percent, were health workers (A1); 5,400, or 18.34 percent, senior citizens (A2); and 18,817, or 63.93 percent, were persons with comorbidities (A3); and 48, or 0.16 percent, were A4, who are overseas Filipino workers sent by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last May 1 during the Labor Day celebration.

By vaccine brand, 21,598 residents, or 73.37 percent, were given Sinovac Life Sciences’ CoronaVac; 4,182, or 14.21 percent, received AstraZeneca; 2,979 were administered the Sputnik V; and 677 were inoculated with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

In addition, 9,399 residents also received their second dose of the vaccine using CoronaVac. Of the total, 1,772, or 18.85 percent, belonged to A1; 2,534, or 26.96 percent, were A2; 4,664, or 49.62 percent, were A3; and three, or 0.03 percent, were A4; and the remaining 426, or 4.53 percent, were administered at a hospital.

In total, 38,835 first and second doses have been administered in Muntinlupa.

As revealed in the above details, Muntinlupa’s local vaccination program continues to get more residents vaccinated while also doing the difficult task of managing the supplies of vaccines, some of which are really delicate and require special handling.

To all residents of Muntinlupa reading this…you are all encouraged to register in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac. Only those who got registered will be notified via email and text message. As such, you must monitor your mobile phone’s text messages as well as your email. Be patient as the vaccination program organizers work to sort out who registered and categorize them.

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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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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: So-called stricter GCQ in NCR Plus begins today

COVID-19 Crisis: So-called stricter GCQ in NCR Plus begins today

carlocarrasco

Starting today until the 31st of May, the level of quarantine and restrictions in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the bordering provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal – these form NCR Plus – has been lowered to the softer general community quarantine (GCQ). The period of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) for NCR Plus (note: specific places outside of NCR Plus are still under MECQ) is over at last and the shift to GCQ was approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.

However, the GCQ this time around will have some more restrictions of its own. To put things in perspective, read the details from this excerpt from the Philippine News Agency’s (PNA) article. Some parts in bold…

Duterte decided to ease quarantine protocols in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, also known as “NCR Plus,” upon the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

Presidential Spokesperson Roque, who was present during a meeting with Duterte at Malacañan Palace, said NCR Plus will be placed under GCQ “with heightened restrictions” from May 15 to 31.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, May 13, 2021, approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to place the National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions from May 15 to 31, 2021,” Roque said in a statement.

Apart from NCR Plus, the quarantine classification in Abra was also downgraded from MECQ to GCQ.

Areas of concern

The MECQ status was, however, retained in the City of Santiago in Isabela, Zamboanga City, Quirino, and Ifugao.

Duterte said the four areas would remain under MECQ until end of May following local governments’ concerns over the spike in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) within their localities.

GCQ is imposed in Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Batangas, Quezon, Iligan City, Davao City, Lanao del Sur, and Puerto Princesa City until May 31.

The rest of the country remains under the least restrictive modified GCQ (MGCQ) for the whole month of May.

Implementation of stricter GCQ

Once GCQ with heightened restrictions is implemented in NCR, only “essential travel into and out of the NCR Plus” will be allowed, Roque said.

Roque said interzonal travel from NCR Plus areas, except those conducted by Authorized Persons Outside Residence, will remain prohibited in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions.

“Public transportation shall remain operational at such capacities and protocols in accordance with the Department of Transportation guidelines while the use of active transportation shall be promoted,” he said.

Roque said only individuals aged 18 to 65 can leave their homes while NCR Plus is under stricter GCQ.

Entertainment venues like bars, concert halls, and theaters; recreational venues, such as internet cafes, billiards halls, and arcades; amusement parks, fairs, playgrounds, kiddie rides; indoor sports courts and venues and indoor tourist attractions; and venues for meetings, conferences, exhibitions will not be allowed in NCR Plus, Roque said.

Roque said religious gatherings and gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than Covid-19 in NCR Plus will be allowed up to 10 percent of the venue capacity.

He added that indoor and outdoor dine-in services would be allowed in Metro Manila and its four neighboring provinces.

Also, indoor dine-in services in NCR Plus shall be at 20 percent venue or seating capacity while outdoor or al fresco dining shall be at 50 percent venue or seating capacity,” he said.

Roque said outdoor tourist attractions in NCR Plus may be opened at 30 percent, with “strict” adherence to minimum public health standards.

“Also continued to be allowed in GCQ areas with heightened restrictions are non-contact sports, games, scrimmages held outdoors; and personal care services that allow for services not requiring mask removal, such as salons, parlors, [and] beauty clinics, at 30 percent capacity,” he said.

While the GCQ is stricter than its previous form, it does allow more breathing room for businesses because they are essential on providing customers the products and services needed (or wanted), and it is the businesses who provide jobs for the unemployed. Businesses, not socialists, can lift people up from poverty and prevent their employees from falling into poverty. As I mentioned previously, the more Filipinos fall into poverty due to restricted economic activities (that result job losses), the more expensive it becomes for any government unit to provide relief to the constituents.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your impression about the so-called stricter GCQ for NCR Plus? Are the restrictions of the new GCQ disturbing to you? Does the new GCQ affect your plan to travel to the provinces?

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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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: Muntinlupa launches rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, targets to max out supply by May 18

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa launches rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, targets to max out supply by May 18

carlocarrasco

The City Government of Muntinlupa formally launched their rollout of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines in major vaccination sites and set a goal to max out the supply by May 18 due to the sensitivity of the vaccines.

Muntinlupa City Health Office has started to inoculate healthcare frontliners, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities with COVAX-donated Pfizer vaccines on May 14. At least 700 residents are set to receive their jab in the first day of the rollout.

The local health office targets to administer the first batch of Pfizer vaccines in major vaccination sites until May 18 upon recommendation from authorities to only use the vaccines 5 days upon unpacking. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a series of two doses 3 weeks apart.

Walk-ins will not be accommodated in the city’s major vaccination sites where Pfizer vaccines are being administered. The public is advised to register in the city’s COVID-19 Vaccination Registration System via www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac. Only residents who are registered will be given schedule in the major vaccination sites and will be notified via SMS.

Muntinlupa initially received 1,170 vials (7,020 doses) of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines from the Department of Health. This is part of the first batch of 193,050 doses secured by the national government through the World Health Organization (WHO)-led COVAX Facility.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi extended his thanks to the national government for the allocation of more COVID-19 vaccines to Muntinlupa. He said the additional supply of vaccines will help the local vaccination program as more residents line up to get vaccinated.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (right) witness the vaccination of a local healthworker with Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine last May 14 at Ayala Malls South Park, Alabang. The local government of Muntinlupa has started to inoculate healthcare frontliners, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities using the COVAX-donated Pfizer vaccines. At least 700 residents are set to receive their jab in the first day of the rollout. Fresnedi extended his thanks to the national government for the allocation of more COVID-19 vaccines to Muntinlupa. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

To date, 77,323 residents have already signed up for the city’s immunization campaign.

Fresnedi also assured the public of the local government’s preparedness for the cold-chain management of the temperature-sensitive vaccines. The vaccines are stored in the local government’s partner storage facility Royal Cargo Logistics Center in Barangay Cupang.

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines need to be stored at a temperature of -70 to -80 degrees Celsius.

Last May 13, DOH and National Vaccination Operations Center executives visited a simulation activity for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines in Muntinlupa at Ayala Malls South Park, Alabang.

Officials attending the simulation activity were: DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau director Dr. Napoleon Arevalo, NVOC execs Dr. Shirly Pador and Dr. Sarah Lazaga, DOH Dir. Gloria Balboa, DOH Dir. Ma. Paz Corrales, DOH DMO execs Dr. Jose Mari Castro and Dr. Anatoly de los Santos, Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dr. Juancho Bunyi, and among others.

Further, regular vaccination sites will continue to accommodate A1, A2, and A3 for their second dose.

As of May 13, 28,635 city residents were inoculated with their first dose in Muntinlupa, of which 21,474 received Sinovac, 4,182 inoculated with AstraZeneca, and 2,979 were vaccinated with Sputnik V.

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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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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: Police arrest suspects over illegal sale of COVID-19 test kits in Parañaque City

COVID-19 Crisis: Police arrest suspects over illegal sale of COVID-19 test kits in Parañaque City

carlocarrasco

Another crime news piece related to Parañaque for you all. This time it was reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) and it is about the illegal act of selling rapid test kits related to COVID-19. The illegal sale happened in Parañaque City, specifically in Barangay Don Bosco.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine News Agency’s news report. Some parts in bold…

Three individuals were arrested for the illegal sale of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) rapid test kits in Parañaque City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, citing a report from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, identified the suspects as Ace Dimaplis, Charisse Purino, and Aldrin Bacaran who were arrested in an entrapment operation in Barangay Don Bosco on Tuesday.

The operation stemmed from reports of the sale of illegally marketed medical devices such as Wondfo antigen rapid test kits which are placed in advertisements in illegal online selling websites.

A poseur-buyer ordered online 250 boxes of Wondfo rapid test kit, with each box containing 20 sets, amounting to PHP1.2 million pesos.

Recovered during the operation were assorted volumes of unauthorized rapid test kits worth PHP4 million, one magazine for .40 caliber pistol, various kinds of ammunition, two sets of caliper, a digital reloading scale, and smokeless gunpowder.

Meanwhile, the suspects failed to show to the operatives their license to operate (LTO) or special permit to sell and distribute the test kits with regards to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2020-016 and authority to possess gun reloader and live ammunition.

“Further investigation reveals that the arrested suspects were sub-leaders of Chinese online groups who were involved in illegal online selling of unauthorized Covid-19 rapid test kit(s),” Eleazar said.

The report ended stating that the suspects were brought to the police force in Quezon City for appropriate documentation and the formal filing of cases related to violating Republic Act Number 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 in relation to FDA Circular No. 2020-016) and Republic Act Number 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the Philippine News Agency’s crime news report? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City? Are the local police and barangay tanods doing enough to secure your local community from criminals? Did you spot online any ads related to Wondfo antigen rapid test kits?

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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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 cybersex den stopped by NBI, several victims rescued

COVID-19 Crisis: Parañaque cybersex den stopped by NBI, several victims rescued

carlocarrasco

Criminal activities in the city of Parañaque involving Chinese nationals continue to happen. Very recently, a prostitution operation in the form of a cybersex den located in a certain executive village in the city (note: GMA Network did not reveal which village was it in its news report) was entered by personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on a rescue mission. The raid, which took place on May 11, resulted the arrest of one Chinese national and rescue of several victims.

To put things in perspective, here is the GMA Network news video for you all to watch…

Now we can take a close look at the details on GMA Network’s online news report. Here is an excerpt from their report with some parts in bold…

Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday rescued 20 women, two of whom were minors, from an online human trafficking syndicate at an exclusive village in Parañaque.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the NBI arrested Chinese national Kong Chiang She during the operation.

Meanwhile, the authorities found the women on the second floor of a house inside the village with their own rooms.

The NBI said the suspects used an online messaging app for their Chinese customers.

Through the app, selected customers can choose the sexual favors that the victims will do. The victims will then be brought to the customers’ homes or the hotel they have selected.

According to the NBI, sexual exploitation is especially dangerous amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Two of the women rescued tested positive in the COVID-19 rapid antigen test. Both the World Health Organization and the Department of Health though have discouraged the use of rapid antigen tests due to its unreliability and its chances of giving false negative results.

“When you engage in the services of the victim, they will not show you a certification that they are negative for swab test or antigen test,” NBI spokesperson Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin said.

The arrested individuals declined to comment.

The above news is very disturbing, especially since the entire Philippines is still struggling under the COVID-19 pandemic and people in the city of Parañaque are struggling to get vaccinated. As for the Parañaque cybersex den that got stopped, there is a possibility that it contributed to the spreading of COVID-19 to other people during the time it operated and fulfilled transactions with its customers. As written in the above news report, two victims were found positive with COVID-19 based on the results of the rapid antigen test (which itself was deemed unreliable according the local and global health authorities). As such, all the victims (who were brought to the Department of Social Welfare and Development or DSWD) need to be tested with the proper, more reliable methods.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the GMA Network’s crime news report? Did you notice something strange going on in your local community there in Parañaque City? Are the local police and barangay tanods doing enough to secure your local community from criminals? Do you feel disturbed about the presence of Chinese nationals in Parañaque City?

Which particular Parañaque executive village did GMA’s news report refer to?

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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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 than 30,000 people vaccinated in Las Piñas City

COVID-19 Crisis: More than 30,000 people vaccinated in Las Piñas City

carlocarrasco

It’s been quite some time since the official numbers about Las Piñas City residents and frontliners getting vaccinated for COVID-19 was last revealed. Thanks to the Manila Bulletin with Mayor Imelda Aguilar being the primary source of information, we now know that over 30,000 people there got injected with COVID-19 vaccines. Take note that Las Piñas has ten vaccination sites and should have its newest isolation site open by now.

Las Piñas City residents who have yet to get themselves registered to avail of free COVID-19 vaccines, can learn the ways right here. For everyone’s information, more COVID-19 vaccines from abroad will come in and the City Government already made its move to acquire 300,000 additional AstraZeneca vaccines.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Manila Bulletin’s report. Some parts in bold…

A total of 33, 578 individuals have been vaccinated in Las Piñas City, Mayor Imelda Aguilar said Wednesday.

Out of the total number of individuals vaccinated in the city, 5,057 were frontline workers, 16, 208 were senior citizens, and 12, 313 were persons with comorbidities.

The city has 10 vaccination sites that can vaccinate around 300 individuals per day, according to Aguilar.

Meanwhile, the city government of Las Piñas said it is expecting to receive around 11,700 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

While Las Piñas was not one of the five National Capital Region (NCR) cities that received Sputnik V vaccines, it is a recipient of Pfizer vaccines. Pfizer happened to be one of the vaccines that Israel used.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you were vaccinated already, how organized was the vaccination program there in Las Piñas City? What was the vaccine you were injected with? How many people there in your local community are aware of the local vaccine registration program?

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 as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.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