Manila eyes extending drive-thru booster shots for courier, delivery riders

The local government of Manila is eyeing to extend its service of drive-thru booster shots for couriers.

This as hundreds of delivery workers riding on motorcycles and bicycles flocked to the Bonifacio Shrine so they could be administered with an added layer of protection against COVID-19.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said he sees hundreds of drivers of courier and delivery service applications who want to get booster shots.

Moreno said seven out of 10 delivery drivers who availed of the free booster shots were non-residents of the City of Manila.

"Masaya kami kasi nagpabakuna sila, naproteksyonan sila, naproteksyonan ang customer nila, naproteksyonan ang pamilya nila, tapos hindi nasayang ang araw ng kita. They still have the whole day to go around para mag hanapbuhay. Hindi nabalam ang hanapbuhay, protektado ang lahat, panatag ang lahat," Moreno said in a news release.

(We are happy that they get the booster shots, they are protected as well as their customers and families. They still have the whole day to go around to work. Their jobs were not disrupted.)

"As we go along, tingnan natin, but be that as it may, tuloy-tuloy. Kung kelan sila convenient, yayakapin natin hanggat kaya natin,” he added.

(As we go along, let's see. But be that as it may, it will continue. We will continue to accommodate them.)

Moreno also said the city government already approved the continuation of the booster shot vaccination in Divisoria on Thursday night upon the request of drivers, vendors and delivery boys plying in the area.

He said a total of 754 drivers, vendors and delivery boys have availed of the booster shots administered in Divisoria on Wednesday night.

Moreno said it is imperative for the public to get their booster shots or to get vaccinated as soon as possible given that the cases of COVID-19 continues to increase. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News