More than 70 percent of the eligible population in Metro Manila is expected to be vaccinated by the end of September, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos said Wednesday, Sept. 1.
"Hopefully, one month from now, makakamit na natin yung more than 70 percent dahil right on target na tayo dun (we will finally achieve more than 70 percent because we are already right on the target). Numbers wouldn't lie," Abalos said during a press briefing.
As of Aug 31, 2021, a total of 45.92 percent or 4,500,510 individuals have been fully vaccinated while 81.72 percent or 8,009,042 of the eligible population in the National Capital Region have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.
Abalos said that they are expecting to vaccinate 9.8 million or 72.56 percent of the eligible population in Metro Manila by end of September to early October.
The MMDA Chairman also said that the 50-percent vaccination goal in the region will be hit in one to three days.
Granular lockdowns
Abalos also stated that implementing granular lockdowns instead of placing areas under community quarantine classifications will give mayors in Metro Manila more flexibility.
"Personally, it is a very good proposal. It is very flexible. It gives a lot of flexibility to our mayors. At mapi-pinpoint mo kung saan ka dapat magluwang (And they will easily determine where to reopen). We are more than willing to accept this proposal to be a pilot of this project," he said.
At present, a total of 3,040 households and seven barangays have been placed under granular lockdown in the metropolis.