35.5 million more workers to be vaccinated in the Philippines

In a statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said, “The first phase of vaccine deployment for the expanded A4 group will be focused on approximately 13 million additional workers in NCR+8 since these areas make up the majority of COVID-19 cases in the country. 

“Another 22.5 million workers will subsequently be included from areas outside NCR+8, bringing the total estimate to 35.5 million.” 

The expanded priority A4 list now includes private-sector workers who need to be physically present in their work premises; staff of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and local government units; informal-sector workers and self-employed individuals who work outside their homes; and those working in private households. 

NEDA secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said, “As we are expecting an increase in the supply beginning June 2021, we are now able to expand the list to protect more workers. Vaccinating them will also help safeguard their families, our health gains, and our economic recovery.”  

READ: WFH-related disabilities or deaths in the Philippines now compensable

The A4 priority list was previously divided into subgroups that include transportation workers, market vendors, religious leaders, overseas Filipino workers, and so on.

The NCR+8 area includes Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Pampanga, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao, according to Inquirer.net.