Seafarers elevated to top COVID-19 vaccine priority

Filipino seafarers have been elevated to a higher priority group for COVID-19 vaccination.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the recommendation from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to reclassify Filipino seafarers under sub-group A4, which includes frontline personnel in essential sectors.

Previously, seafarers were categorized under B3 or B5, but they are now considered part of the Top 4 priority sector due to their crucial role in maintaining the economy during the pandemic.