COVID-19 PANDEMIC

THE four cities in Pangasinan and eight towns originally classified as “high-risk” areas by the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) have been reclassified as “critical risk areas” last Tuesday August 3.

The change in classification was due to addition of two more towns – Basista and Infanta –  as high risk areas in Pangasinan, making the number increased from 10 as of July 13 to 12 last week.

Tagged as critical risk areas are Dagupan City, Urdaneta City, Alaminos City and San Carlos City, and the towns Bolinao, San Nicolas, San Manuel, Mabini, Laoac, Labrador, Basista and Infanta.

In an advisory released by the Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center under the Center for Health Development-I, classification was based on the data of the RESU.

Dr. Rheuel Bobis, CHD-1 COVID-19 focal person, said these areas are urged to rollout COVID-19 vaccines for the A4 Priority Group, or Workers in Essential Sector, and groups A1 to A3.

Meanwhile, the vaccination operations centers in the region are told to continue coordinating with the Provincial VOCs for further planning and preparation for their allocation of vaccines.

Bobis directed that donated vaccines from the COVAX facility should be administered only for priority groups A1 to A3, while the A4 group may be vaccinated with vaccines procured by the national government, LGUs, and private sector companies and organization through tripartite agreements. (Ahikam Pasion)