Ilocos Norte vaccinates 1,900 tourism workers vs COVID-19
LAOAG CITY—At least 1,900 tourism workers in Ilocos Norte have been vaccinated against COVID-19, officials said on Thursday.
The provincial government started its vaccine rollout for those in the tourism industry on July 31, wherein at least 700 doses were initially administered to tour guides, hospitality personnel, event organizers, food service providers, freelance creative workers, and other tourism-related workers.
“With domestic tourism set to return faster than international travel, [the vaccination drive] presents an opportunity for destinations like Ilocos Norte to recover from the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to Xavier Ruiz, officer-in-charge of Ilocos Norte tourism office.
Aside from those working in the tourism industry, the provincial government at least 182,546 vaccines were administered to the four other priority groups, with at least 75,005 individuals already fully vaccinated against the virus.