COVID-19 Crisis: Vaccination bus launched in Las Piñas City!

Have you ever imagined entering a passenger bus not for traveling but rather to get vaccinated for COVID-19? That sort of thing became a reality in the City of Las Piñas as the City Government launched its bus for COVID-19 vaccination (referred to locally as “Bakuna Bus”) as part of their effort to reach out to the unvaccinated constituents while also participating officially in the latest 3-day national vaccination drive, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The vaccination bus. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

The Las Pinas City government deployed on Thursday (March 10) a “Bakuna Bus” to administer Covid-19 vaccines to residents who remain unvaccinated.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the City Health Office (CHO), in coordination with the Las Pinas Rotary Club, deployed the vaccine bus to Barangay CAA as part of the three-day national vaccination on March 10 to 12.

Aguilar said the bus will serve the residents who are still unvaccinated and those who are set to receive their booster shot.

Inside the bus. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)
Vaccination staffer verifies the card of a patient inside the bus. (source – City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

She said the city government is calling on all the unvaccinated and those who want to get the booster shot in Barangay CAA and nearby barangays to visit the mobile vaccination unit.

The mayor said the deployment of the bus is also part of the city government’s “Bayanihan sa Bakunahan sa Las Pinas”.

Aguilar said the vaccination team headed by CHO officer-in-charge Dr. Julie Gonzalez also conducts house-to-house vaccinations for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs).

She assured the residents that getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is very safe and will help boost their immune system against the virus.

The above report ended stating that mayor Aguilar assured local residents that getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is very safe and will boost their immune system. Take note that recently, the City Government announced that its total inoculation count surpassed 1.3 million and that includes a little over 180,000 booster shots recorded.

As already confirmed by various sources, the urgency for people to get vaccinated or boosted has faded as Metro Manila and some other places around the country have been placed under the Alert Level 1 status which allows more people to move around more freely complete with a reduction on restrictions. The challenge for both the national government and the local government units (LGUs) is to convince the people – especially the unvaccinated – to avail of the free vaccination shots.

Back to the vaccination bus, this project by City Government and its strategic partner is a nice idea and could help the local authorities reach out to the people in close proximity to the residential areas. There are lots of vaccination sites around the city for local to visit but the local authorities apparently decided to go all-out to get more people immunized. It also remains to be seen if other local governments will be inspired to come up with their own vaccination buses.

For all the unvaccinated people reading this, any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Meanwhile, the City Government is already handling the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 5 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this recent development? If a vaccination bus arrives at your local community, will you avail of the free vaccination service? Do you want your homeowners’ association (HOA) to reach out to the City Government to have the vaccination bus serve your local community?

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: Las Piñas City’s vaccination count surpasses 1.3 million

It took two weeks but Las Piñas City has finally surpassed the mark of 1,300,000 in its ongoing inoculation/vaccination count according to the most recent COVID-19 statistics the City Government announced via social media.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the latest display of data regarding Las Piñas City’s COVID-19 vaccination statistics.

The official numbers.

As seen in the above statistics accurate of as March 6, 2022, the total inoculation count of the city has been recorded at 1,314,558 (almost 26,000 higher compared to the previous count of February 20, 2022). Their vaccination count of patients who received the first dose was at 585,882 while the number of patients who received their 2nd dose (which made them fully vaccinated) has reached 560,876.

On the adult population, category A4 remains the most vaccinated with over 400,000 counted which includes the first dose, the second dose and Janssen vaccination. On the Pediatric A3 numbers, more than 100,000 patients aged 12 to 17 have been vaccinated (note: first and second dose numbers combined). Patients aged 5 to 11 who got vaccinated surpassed the mark of 20,000 (note: first and second dose numbers combined).

When it comes to the booster shots, the latest number is 182,678. That’s still a small number when compared to the city’s official count of patients who received their 2nd dose.

As reported already in the news, the urgency to get vaccinated or boosted has faded somewhat with the public, especially in Metro Manila and other areas that have been placed under Alert Level 1 status. The local government units (LGUs) and the national authorities will have to come up with ways to encourage the unvaccinated to get vaccinated, as well as encouraging the fully vaccinated patients to get their free booster shots. Think about this carefully. If not enough people get vaccinated/boosted at the vaccination sites because many are enjoying the freedom of Alert Level 1, then it can lead to the spoilage or expiration of many vaccines that end up unused.

For all the unvaccinated people reading this, any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Meanwhile, the City Government is already handling the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are  a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice that the lines at local vaccination sites have been shorter compared to just a few months ago? Do you think that anti-vaccination fanatics are influencing members of your local community to avoid vaccination?

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: Las Piñas City is #1 among Metro Manila cities with the highest number of public school teachers vaccinated

Recently the City Government of Las Piñas announced its newest achievement yet through the School Division Office (SDO) – Las Piñas emerged as the leader among all Metro Manila cities having the highest number of public school teachers who got vaccinated for COVID-19, according to the Manila Bulletin’s news report.

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

Las Pinas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar congratulated the city’s School Division Office (SDO) after being adjudged No. 1 in the National Capital Region (NCR) with the highest number of public school teachers who were vaccinated against COVID-19.

Paul San Miguel, head of the Public Information Office (PIO), said Aguilar was pleased upon learning that out of 4,000 public school teachers in the city, 99.01 percent have already been vaccinated against the virus.

San Miguel said Dr. Joel Torrecampo, officer-in-charge of the office of the School Division, thanked Aguilar for taking care of the health of public school teachers.

He said the NCR Health Unit reported that Las Pinas City SDO was among the top eight cities with the highest number of vaccinated public school teachers.

The above report ended stating that in terms of percentage, Navotas was 2nd to Las Piñas with 98.32% followed by Manila with 97.23% and Pasig with 97.15% to name some.

For all the unvaccinated people reading this, any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Meanwhile, the City Government is already handling the online registration process for COVID-19 vaccination for local minors (aged 12 to 17) which can be done at http://laspinascityonline.laspinascity.gov.ph/eCVRS/

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this recent development? If your children are studying in public schools in your city, does this news make you feel confident about their safety?

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: Over 2,600 aged 5-11 y/o receive COVID-19 vaccine in Muntinlupa City, one vaccination site added

The City Government of Muntinlupa, through the local COVID-19 Vaccination Program (MunCoVac), has vaccinated more than 2,600 children aged 5-11 years old in the first week of the “Resbakuna Kids” campaign in the city.

As of February 13, Muntinlupa City Health Office recorded a total of 2,687 children aged 5 to 11 years old to have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Of the total, Barangay Putatan has the highest number of vaccine takers for the age group with 566, followed by Brgy. Tunasan with 487, Brgy. Alabang with 419, Brgy. Poblacion with 365, Brgy. Cupang with 326, Brgy. Ayala Alabang with 147, Brgy. Sucat with 125, Brgy. Bayanan with 105, and Brgy. Buli with 46. While there are 101 inoculated kids who are non-Muntinlupa residents.

Muntinlupa has opened two party-themed vaccination sites for the pilot implementation of the pediatric vaccination: Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) in Brgy. Alabang and Laguerta Health Center in Brgy. Tunasan.

On February 14, Muntinlupa CHO has opened an additional vaccination site for ages 5-11 years old at Cupang Health Center.

CHO acting chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi led the launching event and the ceremonial inoculation of children. Bunyi invites all parents in the city to register their kids in the city’s vaccination database and assures the public that vaccines approved by the Philippine Food and Drugs Administration are safe and effective

Cupang Health Center has been decorated with cartoon characters and action figures; while children receive loot bags, free food and ice cream.

Bunyi noted that the initiative aims to provide a relaxing environment in the vaccination sites and to lessen the stress of kids during the vaccination.

To register, Muntinlupa may visit www.vaccine.muntinlupacity.gov.ph/muncovac and wait for further instructions from MunCoVac.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases in Muntinlupa continue to decline and the number of active cases have dropped below 80. The latest data from the Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) showed that as of February 13, the city’s active cases only totaled 74, adding 13 recoveries and 15 new COVID-19 cases for the day.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi continues to urge residents not to be complacent and to continue following the minimum health protocols such as wearing of face masks, physical distancing, and washing of hands. He also encouraged Muntinlupeños to get vaccinated and get their booster shot.

As of February 13, Muntinlupa City has 39,656 confirmed cases with 38,973 recoveries, 74 active cases, 609 reported deaths, 0 suspect case, and 129 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: Las Piñas City vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 is ongoing

On the launch day of COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11-years-old in Las Piñas City this past Monday, Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery  personally visited the vaccination sites where she personally observed the processes, met with parents and their kids and talked with the local vaccination personnel, according to a February 8, 2022 Facebook post by the City Government.

Vice Mayor Aguilar talks to one of the parents at a vaccination site. (source – Las Piñas City Facebook page)

To put things in perspective, more than 168,000 kids aged 5 to 11 nationwide registered for the vaccination. Las Piñas City’s registration for the 5-11 age-group is ongoing and more than 1.2 million vaccinations in the city were recorded covering all age-groups and types of patients.

Wholesome decorations at the entrance at one of the vaccination sites. (source – Las Piñas City Facebook page)

Going back to the launch of vaccination for kids aged 5-11 in the city, a news report by the Manila Bulletin states that the city government had set up safari and toys and carnival-inspired vaccination sites. The same report quoted Mayor Imelda Aguilar saying that the local government unit (LGU) is aiming to vaccinate around 1,500 to 2,000 young minors at the three vaccination sites, specifically at SM Center, Robinsons Place and The Tent.

Parents who have decided to have their young children registered for the free vaccines can do the online registration at https://bit.ly/e-covid19reg. Also check out the QR code below.

Scan this QR code.

For all the unvaccinated people reading this, any Las Piñas resident who has yet to get registered for the free COVID-19 vaccines can learn the ways (4 methods) by clicking here. Anyone who is ready and willing to register online can click bit.ly/LasPiñasVaccination

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a parent of young children living within the city, what do you think of the idea of vaccination for those aged 5 to 11? Did you encounter any anti-vaccine fanatic or activist who tried to discourage you from having your young kid vaccinated?

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: Senator Marcos says DOH should not dismiss parental consent with regards to the vaccination of children

If you are a parent, are you comfortable about the idea that the government will have authority over your kids so that they would be vaccinated for COVID-19? This is the hot issue that a lot of people have been thinking about as Philippine Senator Imee Marcos reacted to a memorandum issued by the Department of Health (DOH) that enables the government to dismiss parental consent related to the efforts of vaccinating minors, according to a Manila Bulletin report. It should be noted that the government just launched a new COVID-19 vaccination campaign aimed at kids aged 5 to 11-years-old.

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

Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday said she is outraged at the Department of Health (DOH) for releasing a memorandum that enables the government to dismiss parental consent if a child is willing to be vaccinated.

Marcos reminded the DOH that the government should not and can’t usurp parental authority.

Government cannot usurp parental authority. Parents have the right to decide on the health and safety of their children,” Marcos said in a statement.

Marcos is referring to the controversial memorandum issued last January 24 stating that the government can act as “parens patriae” – Latin for parent of the nation – when a child wants to be vaccinated but parental consent is denied.

Stated on Page 6 of the memorandum stated that: “In case the parent/guardian refuses to give consent to the vaccination despite the desire and willingness of the minor child to have himself/herself vaccinated, or there are no Persons that may legally exercise parental authority over the child, the State may act as parens patriae and give the necessary consent. Therefore, the proper officer representing the State as parens patriae may sign the consent form. In this regard, the DSWD or its city/municipal counterparts shall serve as the proper office who shall represent the State.”

“The DOH has a lot of explaining to do. This isn’t the first time it committed a gaffe of such magnitude,” Marcos pointed out.

Last December 2021, the government announced it had bought some 15 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine to inoculate children 5 to 11 years old, but they were forced to move the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for minors to Monday, due to logistical problems.

The senator said she hopes that the push to vaccinate children is “really for their sake and not for the sake of vaccine purchases already made.”

Senator Marcos pointed out that government cannot just usurp the authority of parents who themselves have rights to manage and decide on the health of their kids. Think about that carefully…government becoming the authority over the children and rolling over the parents? The government, which itself changes as a result of elections being held every few years, would be the parent or guardian of children on health matters?

Government on any level here in the Philippines is flawed, bureaucratic and cannot move efficiently. Governance itself could reflect the personality or mindset of the elected officials. Regardless, I should point out that no matter what kind of good intentions or grand plans elected officials have for the people, there will always be blunders that will cause inconvenience or even cause harm to the people. Look at the City of Parañaque where their Pfizer vaccine launch last May was so chaotic and heavily covered by the media. On the issue of dealing with their unvaccinated members of their constituents, Parañaque’s restrictions on the unvaccinated still remained in effect even though the quarantine level of control in Metro Manila was officially lowered into Alert Level 2.

On the issue of government rolling over the parents and having authority over their children, there already is resistance as a petition was filed at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court seeking the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) versus the COVID-19 vaccination of minors aged 5 to 11-years-old. The people who filed the petition are parents and their case challenged the constitutionality of the DOH’s Memorandum No. 2022-0041. Clearly the DOH and its top officials have explaining to do.  

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a parent with children aged 5 to 17, are you willing to let government take authority away from you as public officials have the intention of vaccinating minors for COVID-19? Are you concerned that the Philippines is slowly drifting towards tyranny? Do you support Senator Marcos’ stance towards the DOH? Do you think it is time for DOH’s top officials to resign even though the Duterte administration now has only a few months left before the end of its service? Who do you think wrote the DOH memorandum?

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@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 than 75% of Philippines target population declared fully vaccinated

When it was reported that the nation of Denmark lifted most of its pandemic restrictions, more than 60% of their population received a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines. Three doses meaning getting fully vaccinated with two doses of most vaccines and getting boosted with the third shot afterwards. Here in the Philippines, there is still a long way to go before 60% of the population gets boosted but the country has been progressing as more than 75% of Filipinos under the target population got fully vaccinated (2 shots), according to an article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

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

A total of 59,120,367 individuals nationwide or 75.7 percent of the target population are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), according to the National Task Force Against Covid-19.

In an interview Wednesday night, National Task Force Against Covid-19 consultant Dr. Maria Paz Corrales said the number is 53 percent of the total Philippine population.

More are expected to receive the life-saving shots as the national government further ramps up its vaccination campaign, expanding it to children aged 5 to 11 years old starting February 4, and in provinces badly hit by Typhoon Odette last year.

Corrales said a total of 780,000 doses of reformulated Pfizer vaccine for this age group would arrive February 3.

She added that the government is planning to hold another round of the national vaccination days for the young age group that would also cover booster doses.

“Meron tayong pinaplanong (We are planning a) national vaccination day that will cover the pediatric population, that’s 5 to 17, and then for the senior citizens, and the booster. We have to ramp up the three so the government is planning to have a national vaccination days para tumaas ang (to increase the number of) vaccination. We hope to achieve 90 million by June,” Corrales said.

In areas stricken by “Odette”, Corrales said the use of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson and the Sputnik Light vaccines are recommended since they get protected against the disease immediately, without having to return for a second dose.

“The problem is ‘yung mga Odette stricken areas, may ibang may problema pa sa storage kasi ‘yung iba wala pang kuryente, may iba naman, ‘yung mga vaccinators apektado dahil sa (There are areas with storage problems since some are still without power. There are also some vaccinators affected by the) Omicron surge but they have fully recuperated and they are going back to work. The government is doing all its efforts to help build again those Odette stricken areas,” Corrales said.

The country was at the height of its national vaccination days in December when “Odette” struck provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao, causing massive flooding and power outages that went on for days, disrupting the vaccination program in many areas.

Just a few days ago, it was announced that the planned vaccination drive of younger minors aged 5 to 11-years-old would be delayed. Nationwide, local government units have been accepting and processing the registration related to the said vaccination drive. Take for example the City Government of Las Piñas confirmed that more than 9,000 children (aged 5 to 11) were registered. For sure the national count of people getting vaccinated, fully vaccinated and boosted will go up. How long it will take for a majority of the fully vaccinated Filipinos to get boosted remains uncertain.

Regardless, I should reiterate that the Philippines should acquire more Sputnik V and Sputnik Light vaccines to immunize people from coronavirus and its variants (including the more infectious Omicron variant). For related articles about Sputnik versus Omicron, click here, here, here, here and here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about the current vaccination efforts of the Philippines? Do you think the government officials from the national level down to the local level are doing the best they can to get as many people immunized from COVID-19?

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: Denmark lifts most of its pandemic-related restrictions

If you are tired of the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks, vaccine passes/cards and face shields, and if you are looking for the normalization of life, you might want to pay close attention to the nation of Denmark as it lifted many pandemic-related restrictions, according to an Agence France Presse (AFP) news story picked up by GMA Network. Take note that this is the second time Denmark attempted a return to pre-pandemic life and as of this writing more than sixty percent of the Danish population have been boosted (three shots) with COVID-19 vaccines.

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

Denmark waved goodbye to facemasks and health passes Tuesday as it became the first European Union country to lift all of its domestic COVID-19 curbs despite record numbers of cases of the milder Omicron variant.

Only a few restrictions remain in place at the country’s borders, for unvaccinated travelers arriving from non-Schengen countries.

After a first attempt at lifting restrictions between September and November, the Scandinavian country once again ditched its COVID-19 checks and limited opening hours for bars and restaurants.

“For me, the best part is that we don’t need to wear masks anymore,” Natalia Chechetkina, a receptionist in Copenhagen, told AFP.

“At least now we have a choice — if we want to protect ourselves or we want to feel free.”

Marie Touflet, a 23-year-old French student in the capital, said it was “pretty strange to take the metro without a mask, compared to France”.

“It’s really nice to be able to see people’s faces and it feels like we’re living normally again,” she said.

The easing comes as Denmark registers around 40,000-50,000 new COVID-19 cases a day, or almost one percent of the country’s 5.8 million inhabitants.

Health officials believe those figures will soon start going down.

“There are strong indications that the infection has peaked in the areas where it has been most pronounced,” Tyra Krause of Denmark’s public health and research institution SSI told news agency Ritzau.

“So it’s super good timing for the restrictions to be eased.”

‘Shift of responsibility’

More than 60 percent of Danes have received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — one month ahead of health authorities’ schedule — compared to an EU average of just under 45 percent.

Including those who have recently had COVID-19, health authorities estimate that 80 percent of the population is protected against severe forms of the disease.

With Omicron not being a severe disease for the vaccinated, we believe it is reasonable to lift restrictions,” epidemiologist Lone Simonsen of the University of Roskilde told AFP.

Two years after the start of the pandemic, the Danish strategy enjoys broad support at home.

In a poll published Monday by daily Politiken, 64 percent of Danes surveyed said they had faith in the government’s COVID policy, while the lifting of restrictions also has widespread support in parliament.

Going forward, Danes are being urged to exercise personal responsibility.

Without a COVID pass there will be a shift of responsibility,” Simonsen said.

Danes have increasingly used home tests to detect infection, but these are now being phased out and instead, anyone with symptoms is advised to stay home.

The Danish Health Authority currently “recommends” those who test positive to isolate for four days, while contact cases no longer need to quarantine.

Facemasks and the COVID pass are also recommended for hospital visits.

Denmark lifted restrictions as the World Health Organization chief Tuesday warned it was too early for countries to either declare victory over COVID-19 or give up attempts to halt transmission.

For further understanding about the latest development in Denmark and what their Prime Minister stated, posted below is an excerpt from the January 28, 2022 news story by CBN News. Some parts in boldface…

Denmark’s government said Wednesday it will scrap most pandemic restrictions next week, even as neighboring Sweden extended its own measures for another fortnight.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that as of Feb. 1 Danes will enjoy free access to restaurants, cafes, museums and nightclubs, while mask use will cease to be mandatory.

We say goodbye to the restrictions and welcome the life we knew before” the pandemic, Frederiksen said. “As of Feb. 1, Denmark will be open.”

Denmark currently requires face masks on public transportation, in shops, for standing clients in restaurant indoor areas, and for people entering hospitals, health care facilities, and retirement homes. As of Feb. 1, the government will only recommend mask use in hospitals, health care facilities and homes for the elderly.

Frederiksen said that while the omicron variant is surging in Denmark, it is not placing a heavy burden on the health system and the country has a high vaccination rate.

It may seem strange that we want to remove restrictions given the high infection rates,” she said. “But fewer people become seriously ill.

Denmark has in recent weeks seen more than 46,000 daily cases on average, but only 40 people are currently in hospital intensive care units – down from 80 a few weeks ago – Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said.

Heunicke urged Danes to get tested regularly. ”We continue with a strong epidemic surveillance. Then we … can react quickly if necessary.”

Frederiksen warned that Denmark could see a rise in infections in the coming weeks, adding that a fourth vaccination shot might prove necessary.

The restrictions being scrapped next week were originally introduced in July but were removed about ten weeks later after a successful vaccination drive. They were reintroduced when infections soared.

In 2020, Denmark became one of the first European countries to close schools because of the pandemic and sent home all public employees without critical functions.

No matter what happens around the world and no matter what the mainstream news media reports, never forget that it is only the Lord who can lift us all up from this COVID-19 crisis, restore us, protect us and prosper us. For continued protection from the Lord, read the entire Chapter 91 of the Book of Psalm in the Holy Bible and pray in tongues to Him in the privacy of your room. Jesus is our Lord and Savior!

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about Denmark’s moves of attempting to normalize life by removing COVID-19-related restrictions? Do you believe that your local community or even your national government can learn something from the Danes when it comes to pandemic living? How do you think the Danish people would react to the approved restrictions on unvaccinated people and businesses as implemented by the City of Parañaque (additional reference here)? Do your local government officials believe that face shields are truly protective from coronavirus?

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: Almost 60 million Filipinos fully vaccinated

This past weekend, the national government announced that almost sixty million Filipinos nationwide have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, according to a report published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). To be more precise, the official count was at 57 million.

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

The Philippines has administered 122,889,494 doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines nationwide as of Saturday, with 57,095,695 Filipinos now with complete shots and better protected against the virus.

Data from the National Covid-19 vaccination dashboard showed 59,716,484 individuals have received at least the first dose of the primary series while 6,077,315 got their booster or additional doses.

The government recently launched the “Resbakuna sa Botika” program in partnership with private pharmaceutical stores and clinics to encourage more fully vaccinated Filipinos to avail of booster shots.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief of the National Task Force Against Covid-19, said “self-management and social responsibility” would greatly contribute to the country’s response to the global health crisis.

“Basically, it is not sustainable that only the national government will take care of everything. I believe the private sector, the LGUs (local government units), and also the different parts of our society want to have responsibility. And that’s the way forward to our Covid-19 pandemic response,” Galvez said in an interview at a booster vaccination event in Makati City on Friday.

Galvez said there should a policy shift from having a government-centered approach to giving pre-access to those who are willing to assist in the national vaccination program.

On face value, having 57 million fully vaccinated Filipinos nationwide sounds like good news but in reality it remains to be seen if the Omicron variant could be resisted. 

More on the Omicron variant, it is crucial for the Philippines to acquire as many new doses of Sputnik vaccines from Gamaleya to really immunize and boost more Filipinos as soon as possible. Already there were studies conducted showing that Sputnik V and Sputnik Light resulted in strong resistance against the Omicron variant (for references, click here, here and here). Historically, Muntinlupa City was one of the first cities of the Philippines to receive a batch of Sputnik V vaccines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Does the news about our nation having almost sixty million fully vaccinated Filipinos sound encouraging to you? Are there still lots of unvaccinated people there in your local community? If you are managing a business, have you checked if your employees got fully vaccinated or even boosted? Are you still worried about the Omicron variant? If you have been fully vaccinated, when did you get your 2nd dose and when do you plan to get yourself boosted?

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: Muntinlupa City apprehends quarantine violators, strengthens vaccination drive amid rise in COVID-19 cases

Amid the sharp increase in new COVID-19 cases, members of the Muntinlupa City Police Station (MCPS) has apprehended more than 900 individuals this month for violating city ordinances and quarantine rules, while the City Health Office (CHO) strengthens the local vaccination efforts.

MCPS acting chief-of-police PCOL Angel Garcillano reported that 978 city residents were apprehended violating curfew hours, mandatory wearing of face mask and other city ordinances from January 1-24.

Of the total, 892 were apprehended for not wearing face masks while 54 violated the curfew.

Under City Ordinance No. 2020-109, every person in Muntinlupa is required to wear face masks at all times whenever outside of their residence, at the workplace, when entering government buildings and offices, and in public places.

Penalties for offenders include P300 for first offense, P500 for second offense, and P1,000 for third and subsequent offenses.

For violators who are minors, a stern warning will be given for the first offense, withdrawal of scholarship grant from the local government or P300 for non-grantee for second offense, and P500 for third and subsequent offenses. The penalty fee for minors will be charged against their parents or guardians.

Muntinlupa PNP has also installed COMELEC checkpoints and augmented its monitoring for the “No Vaccination Card/ID, No Ride” policy of the Department of Transportation.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi continues to urge city residents to strictly follow the minimum public health standards and get vaccinated amid the increasing COVID-19 cases in the city.

Muntinlupa CHO has recorded all time high figures last January 23 with 4,684 active cases and daily new confirmed cases at 467.

CHO acting chief Dr. Juancho Bunyi said the city has strengthened the PDITR + V strategy (Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment, Recovery plus Vaccination) to combat the further spread of the virus.

The City Health Office has also launched the “Rolling Bakuna” to bring the vaccination services closer to the communities. From January 3 – 21, Muntinlupa CHO has inoculated 1,687 individuals for their first and booster dose in different barangays.

The Rolling Bakuna is set to serve the following communities and organizations in the coming days: Morning Breeze Alabang (January 25, 240 slots – Booster), Elsie Gaches Alabang (January 26, 300 slots – Booster), Posadas Sucat (January 27, 100 slots – Booster), and PNP Headquarters (January 28, 500 slots – Booster).

As of January 21, at least 461,766 individuals in Muntinlupa have received their first dose, translating to 120.56% of the target population. While, 395,435 in the city are fully vaccinated which is 103.24% of the target.

Of the total vaccinated individuals, 17,521 were inoculated for first dose and 10,659 for second dose in coordination with the private companies.

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

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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