Gov’t allows movement of personnel involved in WHO vax solidarity trial
FILE PHOTO: A logo is pictured outside a building of the World Health Organization (WHO). REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
MANILA, Philippines — The task force managing the country’s COVID-19 response has allowed the movement of personnel involved in the conduct of the World Health Organization (WHO) solidarity trial for COVID-19 vaccines regardless of quarantine status and granular lockdowns, Malacañang said Friday.
In a statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said those covered in the policy are “researchers, workers, members and affiliate staff of the Solidarity Trial Vaccines Team.”
Roque added that members of the Solidarity Trial Vaccines Team will be considered as health workers and as such, are allowed “interzonal and intrazonal movement regardless of community quarantine classification and imposition of granular lockdowns.”
But Roque said the trial’s participants and eligible patients affected by the granular lockdowns may not leave their area and may only be allowed to leave their residences for purposes needed for the clinical trial.
No specific date has been announced as to when the WHO solidarity trial will start in the country.
The WHO solidarity trial is expected to boost research on COVID-19 vaccines as it will be conducted not only in the Philippines but also in other countries.
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