Gov’t simplifies criteria for vaccination of essential workers

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s COVID-19 task force has simplified the criteria for the vaccination of essential workers or those included in the A4 priority group, Malacañang said Friday.

In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said those eligible for vaccination under the A4 group are the following:

• Private sector workers required to be physically present at their designated workplace outside their residences
• Employees in government agencies and instrumentalities, including Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporation (GOCCs) and local government units (LGUs)
• Informal sector workers and self-employed who may be required to work outside their residences, and those working in private households

Previously, the government’s list of persons under A4 was divided into subgroups that include transportation workers, market vendors, religious leaders, overseas Filipino workers, and more.

READ: LIST: Additional sectors eligible to get COVID-19 vaccine

READ: A4 priority group expands to BPO, Comelec frontliners for vaccination

The vaccination of essential frontliners along with indigent citizens is expected to begin in June.

Roque said the vaccination will focus first in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Pampanga, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao.

/MUF