for partnership between the government and the media to increase the willingness of the public to get inoculated. The PCOO and its attached agency, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), is set to conduct another leg of Explain, Explain, Explain town hall meeting with local government units in Region 13 on February 9-11, 2021, covering the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Secretary Andanar mentioned that this will go on with other regions as well in the coming months. The activity aims to apprise local government officials about National COVID-19 Vaccine road map, likewise capacitate them to cascade the accurate information to their constituents. He also extended his gratitude for those Filipinos who continue to support the administration. “Salamat kaayo sa inyong padayun nga pagsuporta kay Presidente Duterte. Let us remember that the vaccine is already almost in our midst. Hulat-hulat lang ta. Sunod ta sa health protocols [Thank you very much for the continued support you have shown for President Duterte. Let us remember that the vaccine is almost in our midst. Let’s continue to follow the health protocols, while we wait for it],” he said. He noted that specific details will be provided through the National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF-COVID-19) and the Department of Health (DOH) on the vaccines that will be used for the immunization program.
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| January 30-February 5, 2021
NO NEED TO WEAR MASKS WHEN DRIVING ALONE, SAYS NOGRALES Drivers who are alone in their vehicles need not wear masks while driving. This clarification was issued by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who on Tuesday reiterated an advisory posted by the Department of Health (DOH) on its online platforms. Nogerales, Co-Chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), stressed that the advisory states that “those driving alone may remove their masks while inside their vehicle.” “I think that is only logical; if there is no one in the vehicle with you, you cannot infect anyone else.” According to Nograles, the easing of quarantine restrictions as well as the forthcoming roll out of the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program should not lead to complacency, as everyone still has to do their part to halt the spread of Covid-19. “Kailangan natin magtulungan; wag po natin kalimutan na lahat tayo kailangan maging BIDA,” referring to the “BIDA Solusyon Plus” campaign of the DOH. “BIDA” is an acronym that stands for: B - Bawal walang mask I - I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas-hawak sa mga bagay D - Dumitansya ng isang metro A - Alamin ang totoong impormasyon The DOH-led campaign promotes the active role of individuals in the fight against COVID-19.
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