Thousands flock to vaccination sites before ECQ

Thousands of people flooded several vaccination sites in Manila and other cities this Thursday after fake news spread that those not vaccinated against COVID-19 would not be allowed to go out in enhanced community quarantine.

In Manila, as early as 7 pm on Wednesday, those who wanted to get vaccinated started lining up outside some malls and stayed up all night even though there was no guarantee that they would be vaccinated.

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The queue of those who want to get vaccinated has reached kilometers in SM Manila, SM San Lazaro, and Robinsons Place Manila.

Throughout the queue, people inevitably quarreled. But, of course, they were sticking together because everyone wanted to be first, so they also pushed and shouted.

According to Manila police, more than 20,000 people lined up at vaccination sites.

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At around 5 a.m., the vaccination at SM San Lazaro was canceled due to security issues, while those queuing outside SM Manila were sent home at 8 a.m.

The Manila local government explained that they tell people when the vaccination queue is cut off, but they still can’t control them.

Thousands flock to vaccination sites before ECQ

According to Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, many of those who lined up for the vaccination was not from Manila but neighboring provinces.

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In Las Piñas, hundreds who wanted to get the first dose of the vaccine ran and rushed to enter the parking area of ​​SM Southmall.

The barangay guards and guards also found it difficult to stop them.

Many of those who went to the mall walk-in, hoping to be vaccinated 1 day before the start of the ECQ.

There was also a crowd of people who wanted to get vaccinated at Las Piñas Doctors Hospital when the vaccination site opened around 7 am.

The local government unit (LGU) of Las Piñas denied that the vaccine would be required to receive assistance during the lockdown.

Due to the incident, the LGU stopped the vaccination at SM Southmall and Las Piñas Doctors Hospital but continued vaccination at 5 other sites in the city.

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