HEADS UP: ‘No Vaccine, No Ride’ Policy Starts Today (Jan. 17)

Here’s a Heads Up from reportr on news you need to know today, Jan. 17.

COVID-19 NEWS

• The “no vaccination, no ride” policy in Metro Manila, meant to help cap the surge in COVID-19 cases, starts today, covering travel by land, rail, sea, and air.
• Only fully vaccinated domestic travelers will be allowed to fly to and from Metro Manila on local airlines as the policy takes effect.
• The Philippines saw the biggest increase in new COVID-19 cases in a week worldwide at 327%, according to Agence France Presse.
• Children aged 5 to 11 can get their Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines during a week-long "mini rollout" starting Feb. 1, the country’s vaccine czar said.
• Classes in Metro Manila are suspended from Jan. 15 to 22, and in Calabarzon from Jan. 17 to 29, to allow students to take a break as COVID-19 cases surge.
• The city of Manila has opened a 24/7 drive-thru vaccination site for those who have yet to get their COVID-19 booster shots.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

• Do you have a family member who needs to be isolated at home for testing positive to COVID-19? Here’s how to take care of them and yourself as well.
• Here are the updated guidelines for isolation and quarantine of COVID positive individuals and close contacts. 
• Traveling to the Philippines from another country? Here are the updated guidelines for testing and quarantine.
• Quarantine and isolation can trigger an array of mental health problems. Help is here, and here are the hotlines you can call. 
• Heads up: Quiapo Church will be closed until Jan. 26 for disinfection, while the southbound portion of Roxas Boulevard is closed to traffic starting Jan. 15 for repair works.
• The 2020/21 Bar Exams are once rescheduled to Feb. 4 and 6 as COVID-19 cases surge.

NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• A massive underwater volcanic eruption in Tonga was felt around the world and triggered tsunami flooding coastlines from Japan to the U.S. Why was it so violent?
• Gen Z influencer Sassa Gurl is this year's White Castle calendar girl, a win for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• The COVAX facility delivered its one billionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine, a “key milestone” in the global rollout of the vaccines.
• Vice President Leni Robredo admits to being a fan of Korean dramas, and with the right government support, she believes that Filipinos can deliver such quality content too.
• Coachella is happening for the first time since the pandemic, with Harry Styles, Billie Eilish and Kanye headlining.
• Kylie Jenner becomes the first woman to have 300 million followers on Instagram.