BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
If there is no hindrance, Negros Occidental is expected to reach herd immunity against COVID-19 in January next year, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang.
If not for the typhoon Odette, Tumimbang said the provincial government of Negros Occidental may have reached the 70 percent herd immunity before the year ends.
To achieve herd immunity, at least 1.8 million Negrenses have to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Tumimbang reported that 1,101, 979 have already been vaccinated, which is equivalent to 60.37 percent, and 426,429 more are due for a second dose, which is 23.36 percent.
The slowdown in vaccination activities of the provincial government of Negros Occidental was blamed to the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette.
With the devastation of southern Negros, the focus has been shifted to address the immediate needs of the affected people, Tumimbang said.
But it did not stop the vaccination activities of some local government units, although the number of takers reduced, he added.
The Provincial Incident Management Team reported that COVID-19 active cases in Negros Occidental showing a steady decline, from its peak of 4,400 in October to 203 as of December 28.*
