CEBU CITY — At least 33 children here succumbed to COVID-19, the city's Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
"The 33 deaths for minors are taken from the total 1,632 deaths since the start of pandemic and not just for this year," said Councilor Joel Garganera, chief of EOC.
With the high number of COVID-19 deaths involving children, the city government is appealing to parents to register their young children for the COVID-19 vaccination.
City Mayor Michael Rama said additional measures will be taken to lessen the number of COVID-19 deaths among minors.
“This is going to be a challenge,” said Rama.
EOC data showed that of the total deaths, 12 belonged to the age group 0 to 12 months old, an age range not yet qualified to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
Rama said his policy of barring unvaccinated individuals in indoor or enclosed spaces is meant to protect minors who are not qualified yet to receive the vaccine as well as those unvaccinated adults.
Rama urged parents and guardians of children aged 5 to 11 years old in the upcoming second round of pediatric vaccination in the city.
“It will start this February 14. But I will have to visit the proposed vaccination sites,” said Rama.