Quezon City has surpassed the 100,000 mark of individuals vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a report shared by QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, chair of the Task Force on Vax to Normal during a virtual press conference, a total of 106,395 residents, healthcare workers, and other members of the priority sectors have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines, either Sinovac or AstraZeneca. 

“We are proud and glad to report that we have more than 100,000 individuals who are protected from the ill effects of the virus. While this is still a minute percentage compared to our population, this is already an achievement in our year-long battle against COVID-19,” Belmonte said. 

Out of the said total, 17,257 (16.22%) were medical and non-medical healthcare workers from Levels 1 and 2 hospitals in the city; 26,233 (24.65%) are from Level 3 hospitals; 59,505 (55.9%) are those who have been inoculated in all vaccination sites; and 3,400 (3.19%) comprises those vaccinated in the private-public partnership vaccination site in SM City North Edsa Skydome, as well as members of the Quezon City Police District and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. 

The city which has currently 14 vaccination sites plans to continue expanding the city’s vaccination program. Mayor Belmonte shared that the city government is in talks with private companies, civic organizations, and other groups such as transport groups and homeowners associations. 

QC Task Force Vax to Normal Co-chair Joseph Juico explained that the private sector will be providing the venue and medical personnel for the inoculation program which will be located in their establishments or selected areas.

“Our agreement with the private groups is that they will be providing the venue and the medical team while the city will be delivering the vaccines to them and monitor or supervise the whole process,” Juico said. 

As soon as the vaccines procured by the city or donated by the national government arrive, Juico said that these partnerships with different groups will multiply the effort to achieve herd immunity faster. 

As for its other COVID-19 response, Mayor Belmonte shared additional beds will be placed in the city-run hospitals Quezon City General Hospital, Rosario Maclang Bautista General Hospital, and the Novaliches Government Hospital to accommodate moderate to severe cases.

An additional 1000 isolation and quarantine beds are also being prepared for mild and asymptomatic patients. HOPE Community-caring facilities of the city will also be provided with x-ray machines to contribute to the decongestion of hospitals.

###