The Makati City local government on Thursday, Aug. 4, has started the Covid-19 vaccination drive in its public markets as part of its efforts in combating the growing threat of the more transmissible Omicron sub-variant "Centaurus" in the country.
The vaccination site in Bangkal Market B1 is the first to be opened to ensure the safety of its vendors and customers.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said that aside from the Bangkal Market B1 site, two more market-located vaccination sites will be opened on Friday, Aug. 5. These will be located in Barangay Poblacion Market, J. Villena St., and Sacramento Market, Barangay Olympia.
"Bukas ito para sa lahat ng nais magpabakuna mula 9 a.m. hanggang 4 p.m. (The sites are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)," the city government said.
Vaccinees are reminded to bring their vaccination cards and valid ID.
The city government added that the list of requirements for vaccinees aged 12-17 may be accessed in this link: www.covid19vaccine.safemakati.com/faq
On Aug. 1, Makati City announced that it is intensifying its Covid-19 vaccination drive to include members of the city’s Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) and Jeepney Operators and Drivers’ Association (JODA).
The city government said that three terminal-located vaccination sites have been opened to cater to the members of the transport groups. These are in Guadalupe-Buting TODA/JODA, Guadalupe Pateros MACDA, and MAYATODA.
It added that the sites were opened to make vaccination more accessible to pedicab, jeepney, tricycle, and taxi drivers in the city and keep them safe from the virus.
On August 2, the Department of Health (DOH) announced the detection of two cases of the highly transmissible Omicron BA.2.75, known as “Centaurus” due to its rapid spread.
DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the two cases are from Western Visayas, and have already recovered. She added that their exposure and travel histories are still being verified.
BA.2.75 is another Omicron sub-variant that was first detected India in May and has since spread to around 10 countries, including the United States and Australia.
Initial studies showed that BA.2.75 has multiple mutations in its spike protein, which is responsible for the virus’ transmissibility. This also has more potential to evade vaccine protection.