“No mask” Christmas and looser quarantine restrictions are possible if herd immunity is achieved, according to the OCTA Research Group.
According to group fellow Dr. Nicanor Austriaco Jr., this is possible if 250,000 people can be vaccinated per day in NCR Plus 8.
“It is very possible that we can do that in the NCR plus 8, we have to vaccinate about 250,000 Filipinos every day for the next 4 to 5 months, it is possible there seems to be enough supply arriving now, so our hope and prayer is that if the Filipino people, especially in the NCR plus 8, want a no mask Christmas, then we will all be vaccinated,” said Austriaco.
Philippine General Hospital Spokesperson Dr. Jonas Del Rosario suggested that the vaccination process be adjusted, especially if the government targets to be “maskless” this coming Christmas.
Even though there is a supply, it seems that it will be difficult to queue for vaccinations in some areas.
“I think we have to think for out-of-the-box solutions to even bring the vaccine to the people na parang halos mas convenient. Minsan, the supplies are already there, sana naman pagbagsak na pagbagsak ng vaccine in a few days nabigay mo na yan, hindi yan parang natutulog sa pansitan,” said Del Rosario.
‘Maskless Christmas’ possible if COVID-19 vaccination is fast-tracked
As of June 16, 7.5 million have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
In total, 5.5 million were vaccinated with the first dose. More than 2 million have been fully vaccinated.
This is equivalent to 3.47 percent of the target of 58 million Filipinos who must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity before the end of the year.
The Department of Health said A5 group vaccination may begin through COVAX Facility if there are enough supplies.
“Alam naman po natin, hindi pa ganoon kadami ang ating supply. Ito (vaccinating A5) naman ay allowed na, pero it will depend on the supply (We know that the supply is insufficient. This is allowed, but it will depend on the supply),” she said in a briefing.
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