‘Odette slowed down NegOcc vax campaign’

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said super typhoon “Odette” not only caused havoc in the province, but it also slowed down the anti-COVID vaccination campaign.

Lacson, however, told reporters here that they are still continuing the vaccination program to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19 by February 2022.

He also said that the province has vaccinated 1.18 million individuals, with 400,000 still awaiting their second dose.

To achieve herd immunity, at least 1.8 million Negrenses must be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“We are close to that already,” Lacson said

Despite damages caused by the typhoon, especially on power supply, Lacson said he has not received any report of vaccine spoilage.

As of Dec 26, 2021, Negros Occidental only has 197 active cases, from a peak of 4,400 in October.

The good news, Lacson said, is that there is now a medicine for COVID-19, which is now on second trial.

It needs four successful trials before it can be distributed to markets, he added.

While the World Health Organizations said the pandemic may end this year, Lacson said COVID-19 will remain for life.

“But there will be medicine for it,” the governor said.