Non-compliance means regular testing paid out of their own pockets
The Philippines announced on Friday that they’re requiring all "on-site" employees to be vaccinated by December 1, in an attempt by the government to hike the number of people fully immunised against COVID-19. According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, workers who’re eligible and who live in areas where there is enough vaccine supply should get the jabs as soon as possible. In particular, the government said workers in the public transportation sector should be vaccinated quickly in order to continue their operations.
While workers will not be terminated for refusing the jabs, the unvaccinated will need to undergo regular COVID-19 tests at their own expense. Employers were also ordered to not mark their employees absent when they are scheduled for vaccination during a work hour.
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In addition, the government has also given public and private establishments the authority to refuse entry or services to people who are unvaccinated. This, however, does not include establishments that offer essential services. Exemptions will be made based medical grounds and age as vaccines have yet to be administered to children younger than 12 years old. According to Roque, the only accepted proof of ineligibility for vaccinations are birth certificates or a medical certificate from a government health office.
The country is one of the hardest hit nations by COVID-19, with about 2.81 million cases. In a bid to encourage vaccinations to its target of 15 million people, the government said it will be carrying out a three-day vaccination drive starting November 29 to December 1.
