The city government here is eyeing to open more vaccination sites in malls to hasten the inoculation of residents against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Dr. Carlos B. Mercado, officer-in-charge of the City Health Office and incident commander, said on Monday the move aims to sustain and expedite their vaccination rollout without compromising the ease and comfort of residents.

So far, there are three vaccination hubs in the city which are located at the Heroes Hall, Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH) and the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Medical Center (OLMCMC).

The JBLMRH is the first hospital partner of the city government as vaccination site. From Tuesday to Wednesday, JBLMRH caters to 1,000 senior citizens.

On the other hand, the OLMCMC that opened last June 5 will initially operate on Saturdays.

“The schedule that has been given to us is every Saturday and, because of the challenge with manpower, we opted for 100 vaccinees per day. And, eventually, as we go along, if there will be more vaccinees and if we’re able to get more doctors and personnel to help us, according to the city government, they will allow us to operate on weekdays. Maybe 1 to 2 days [during] weekdays and then every Saturday,” Dr. Suzette K. Muñoz, OLMCMC chief medical officer, said in an official social media post.

The LGU provides the vaccination hub with additional staff from the City Health Office to support and supervise the site.

“The vaccines are provided by the LGU. This time, we are following the priority list. Senior citizens and those with comorbidities. It is the LGU providing us with the list of the vaccinees so Fernandinos have to register thru the LGU. We will not be accepting any walk-ins as advised by the LGU so it would be organized,” Muñoz added.

As of June 6, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city is 5,004 with 528 active cases. The total number of recoveries is 4,318 while the death tally is 158. (PNA)