The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health oppose the proposed “vaccine bubble,” which would give vaccinated individuals the privilege of access to certain establishments and transportation.
The WHO thinks the “bubble” will burst eventually because vaccines are not guaranteed safe with COVID-19.
“The bubble wouldn’t hold. It would burst so we don’t advocate for vaccine bubbles at this point in time,” said this Wednesday WHO country representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe.
“The concept of bubble for vaccinated people doesn’t actually hold true because you will continue to be at risk of getting infected,” he added.
Abeyasinghe urged the government to strengthen vaccination of senior citizens and people with comorbidity instead of implementing a “bubble vaccine.”
According to Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire, they are opposed to the “vaccine bubble” because there will still be dine-ins at restaurants, which is not recommended especially since there is the threat of a more contagious Delta variant.
Under the proposal previously favored by entrepreneurs, vaccinated people will be allowed access to restaurants, salons, and gyms and will also be given separate transportation.
According to Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion, it can be tested in Metro Manila, where some LGUs have already reached a 70 percent vaccination rate.
WHO, DOH oppose ‘vaccine bubble’ proposal
The National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez is also open to the idea of a “vaccine bubble.”
“We can make the bubble, maybe sa [National Capital Region] na medyo mataas na ang vaccination,” said Galvez.
The Department of Trade and Industry is studying the proposal to implement the “vaccine bubble” in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ.
Meanwhile, the list of various business sectors in favor of the proposal to implement “vaccine bubbles” increases where only vaccinated people and those with negative test results will be admitted to establishments.
According to Ayala Malls President Chris Maglanoc, it will not be difficult to implement in malls due to the strict enforcement of health and safety protocols.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.