Galvez: NTF to ask Duterte to extend vaccination drive until Friday

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday said the National Task Force Against COVID-19 will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte to extend the national vaccination drive until Friday.

"We will ask the Executive Secretary as well as the President...that we will allow the extension of the working holidays,” Galvez told reporters.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte issued a proclamation that those who will get vaccinated during the three-day vaccination event (November 29 to December 1) will not be marked absent by their employers, provided they present proof of getting a COVID-19 vaccine during those days.

At least five million doses have been administered in the first two days of the three-day nationwide vaccination drive, according to government data.

The government aims to vaccinate some nine million Filipinos during this period. 

Around 8,000 vaccination sites have been activated, while 20,000 volunteers , including those from the uniformed service, have been tapped.

The vaccination drive covers the general population, minors aged 12-17 years old, and booster shots for healthcare workers, senior citizens, and immunocompromised.

The private sector also provided about 407 malls, institutions, gyms, and fast food chains to be used as vaccination sites. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB/VBL, GMA News