A DRY run for four additional mall-based vaccination sites in Quezon City is being conducted to cater to residents falling under priority categories and were registered through barangay-assisted bookings.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said that the move is part of the city government ‘s efforts to make it easy for the residents to get a shot and be protected against COVID-19.

Belmonte added that the goal of the dry run is to make the process easier and more accessible for senior citizens and individuals with co-morbidities who are not capable of booking for vaccination appointment online.

The mayor said these barangay-assisted bookings were prioritized in the following new vaccination sites: SM City Sta. Mesa and Robinsons Magnolia the other day, May 4 and SM City Fairview and Robinsons Novaliches today.

Aside from preparing the venue, these companies will also provide the medical personnel for the inoculation program. They will cater to both residents in their areas and their staff that belong to the priority sectors.

Meanwhile, Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) head Margie Santos said the partnership with malls allows the local government to speed up its inoculation drive against COVID-19. The partnership with the private sector also addresses the lack of available healthcare workers who will conduct the vaccination among residents.

“Our private partners provide us with venue and manpower. In return, we provide them vaccines and supervision in administering these. These partnerships not only help ramp-up our vaccination drive but also increases foot traffic in commercial areas that can help businesses recover amidst the pandemic,” said Santos.

Belmonte said this is a win-win situation as more essential workers and priority residents will be vaccinated “the faster we can achieve economic recovery.”

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Cory Martinez