|
 Manila zoo was giving vaccinations to young people age 12-17 and the
elderly and allowing recipients of jabs to spend time observing its
elephant enclosure, peacocks and more.
"Aside from being safe and also getting vaccinated, the kids can
also enjoy the outdoors, the scenery, and the animals that are here
inside," said Joyce Pablo, mother of one of the children being
inoculated.
The Philippines has so far fully inoculated about half of its
population, but many areas outside the capital region are lagging
far behind, complicating efforts to suppress fresh outbreaks of
COVID-19.
Daily coronavirus infections have hit records several times this
month, driven by the especially contagious Omicron variant,
prompting a tightening of curbs on mobility, including a public
transport ban for the unvaccinated.
The Philippines has had problems with vaccine hesitancy that
pre-date COVID-19, particularly among children.
[to top of second column] |
For his part, President Rodrigo Duterte has even threatened to
arrest unvaccinated people.
Ray Salinel, a doctor, said the zoo was a great idea to encourage
more people to be inoculated.
"After the vaccination of those aged 12-17 years, seniors, and those
with multiple illnesses, they can go around the zoo," he said. "Even
if the zoo isn't completely open, they can enjoy the sights, the
peacocks, eagles and Mali (elephant). They can relax and forget
about their problems."
(Reporting by Adrian Portugal; writing by Martin Petty; editing by
Mark Heinrich)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
 |
