(Cont. Ord. No. 2022-08, enacted on 27th day of June, 2022)
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WHEREAS, despite the increasing number of vaccines administered in the country. the COVID-19 virus remains to be a threat to the unvaccinated population, and the continuous and prevalent threat of the COVID-19 virus causes prolonged economic stagnation and inconvenience to the normal daily living of Filipinos. The best way to reduce the current level of community transmission and to prevent future surges is for everyone who is eligible, including those who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection, to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. Given the foregoing, there is a need to expedite the vaccine rollout of the local government units in their respective jurisdictions;
WHEREAS, although vaccines are widely available in the City, many eligible residents are not yet vaccinated. If there is not a significant increase in vaccination coverage, local health experts warn that there will be a cycle of repeated surges every few months. The city has an interest in increasing vaccination rates which, in turn, will help stem the spread of COVID-19 and protect its residents against a disease that threatens the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone;
NOW, THEREFORE, on motion of Apolonia G. Bacay, duly seconded by LBP Raul B. Bacay and Councilor Carolyn D. Sison,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF THE CITY OF ALAMINOS, PANGASINAN IN REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED:
SECTION 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as "An Ordinance Requiring COVID- 19 Vaccination for Eligible Population and Other High Risks Groups.
SECTION 2. PURPOSE. - The City of Alaminos, Pangasinan seeks to promote the health,
safety and well-being of its residents, to protect its workers and to encourage vaccination, by requiring proof of full vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine when entering recreational locations and going to events within the city that routinely allow for higher-risk interaction and when entering city buildings where city workers put themselves at risk to provide services to the general public. On the premises of these establishments, implementation of a vaccination requirement is critical in order to protect the city's employees, residents, visitors and businesses, while also attempting to avoid future shutdowns and maintain the City's economic recovery.
Specifically, this Ordinance mandates proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for Mega Events defined as event with large crowds, including indoor events with greater than 500 attendees and outdoor event with greater than 3,000 attendees. It also requires proof of vaccination for all indoor spaces at bars, nightclubs and lounges. The locations covered are required to follow the mandates of the Ordinance It recommends that operators of all restaurants verify the COVID-19 vaccination of their patrons for indoor service. It does not supersede any stricter limitation imposed by a local public entity. It applauded cities across the country for creating additional safeguards in spaces where people are intermingling with the use of targeted vaccination mandates.
Requiring vaccination of all eligible individuals who frequent recreational indoor businesses that allow groups of unassociated individuals to interact for long periods of time where patrons remove their mask to eat or drink, engage in heavy physical exertion, or do not adequately physically distance, will provide the strongest protection to the health and safety of the City's residents, including those who for reasons of age cannot be vaccinated.
