By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is appealing to the employees of the provincial government to get vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, as the capitol’s vaccination drive starts today.

Lacson again pointed out to the employees that the experts have already stated getting the vaccine is one of the “final solutions” against COVID-19, along with maintaining proper health protocols such as wearing face masks and face shields and observing physical distancing.

However, the governor admitted he won’t be able to insist the employees of the capitol if they prefer not to get vaccinated, or if they still have doubts about the vaccine’s efficacy and safety.

Earlier, provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said they are targeting to vaccinate at least 3,000 employees, although it is possible that it could be further reduced due to earlier vaccinations on health workers of the provincial government.

Diaz said over 1,000 capitol employees are being eyed for vaccination.

Meanwhile, the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) yesterday lauded the decision of the provincial government to inoculate the provincial employees against COVID-19.

PACE President Renelo Lastierre said the mass vaccination for the capitol workers shows further proof that the Negros Occidental provincial government is looking into the welfare of the employees.

He said employees of the provincial government were heavily affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they hope the vaccination will give them protection and strength to continue serving the public during these difficult times.

As of this writing, 43 employees of the provincial government had already fallen sick with COVID-19./DGB, WDJ