has affirmed that polling station members will be prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccination, in recognition of the civic activities they will carry out.
"Polling station members will take part in an important civic act for the country, as well as democracy, and based on this, they will be given priority access to the vaccine," he expressed.
The minister remarked that they are being slated for priority in the first vaccination stage after
healthcare workers, firefighters, etc. and will be immunized based on the availability of doses.
"Polling station members do not need to get stressed out. It (the vaccination) does not necessarily have to happen before April 11. This is a benefit. The vaccination will start and will continue. They will be vaccinated before the run-off election," he emphasized.
"This does not mean that they will not be vaccinated. They will be vaccinated in recognition of their civic service," Ugarte pointed out.
The high-ranking official noted that the protocol tailored for
the electoral process was developed two months ago, when the exact arrival date for the vaccine was not known.
However, he underlined that said protocol includes personal protective equipment, disinfection, and the safety standard for elections.
Remarks were made on Saturday in an interview with RPP radio and TV station.