As the Philippines starts rolling out COVID-19 vaccines to economic frontliners, one question that comes to mind is whether employees working from home are eligible for the jab.
After all, many employees who shifted to a work-from-home scheme used to report daily to their offices and workplace.
READ: Duterte Sees 'Light at the End of Tunnel' as Jabs Reach Economic Frontliners
The initial priority, for now, are workers who have direct contact with clients or customers, National Task Force Against COVID-19 spokesperson Restituto Padilla Jr. said on Tuesday.
"Initial priority is for frontline economic workers or those required to be at their work areas and who are in direct contact with clients/customers etc," he said.
Some 35 million people are considered economic frontliners who make up the fourth priority group (A4) for COVID-19 vaccination in the country. The first three are health workers (A1), senior citizens (A2), and persons with comorbidities (A3).
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday said those working from home on a "temporary work arrangement" can be included in the A4 group once they are asked to physically report for work.
"Well, bagama't ito po ay lilinawin ko, pero yung mga nasa work from home na normally nasa work at the premises sila normally pag nirerequire na sa trabaho nila ay makakasama sa A4. Ito naman ay temporary work arrangement lamang habang may pandemya," he said.
These people are considered as economic frontliners and can get vaccinated as part of the A4 priority group:
1. Private sector workers who are required to physically report for work.
2. Employees in government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units.
3. Informal sector workers and self-employed who may be required to work outside their residences, and those working in private households.
ALSO READ:
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Economy Can Fully Reopen if 50% of Population is Jabbed: Vaccine Czar
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