MANILA - The Quezon City government will reach more households, especially senior citizens and other vulnerable sectors in hard-to-reach areas through its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing and vaccination jeepneys.

An additional 30 city health care workers will man the six mobile units turned over by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the city government on Monday.

USAID said it will also send 10 medical personnel to assist the city.

The city government currently averages 6,000 swab tests and 15,000 vaccine doses monthly.

Quezon City has fully vaccinated 1,799, 335 as of Sunday, representing 105 percent of its target to achieve population protection, and has already started inoculating the 12 to 17 years age group.

Active Covid-19 cases also continue to decrease, with 1,618 recorded on Sunday from as high as more than 9,000 in early October.

"Mas mapapalakas at ma-ilalapit pa ng Quezon City government ang Covid-19 response nito para sa mga QCitizen sa tulong ng karagdagang anim na mobile testing jeeps at mobile vaccination team mula sa (The QC government can further strengthen and its Covid-19 response for its citizens through the help of the six mobile testing jeeps and mobile vaccination team from the) United States Agency for International Development," Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.

"Through USAID's support, Quezon City is more resilient and responsive in protecting the lives of many, including the marginalized sectors," she added.

The donation is part of the PHP565-million assistance of the US government to the Philippines in fighting the pandemic under the American Rescue Plan Act.

"As we celebrate the important milestones of our fruitful partnership, we will continue to support the Philippines as enduring friends, partners, and allies in responding to the pandemic, getting the Covid-19 vaccines in people's arms, and ensuring that no one is left behind as we build back better," US Embassy in the Philippines Charge d'Affaires ad interim Heather Variava said during the launch.(PNA)