Año says COVID protocols observed in Alert 1 areas
INTERIOR Secretary Eduardo Año said the first day of implementation of the least restrictive Alert Level 1 in the National Capital Region (NCR) yesterday went well.
Año, a key member of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), said that while there was an increase in people and vehicles in the streets,” but they’re taking precaution.”
“We cannot yet make a complete assessment because it’s just the start but so far, we’ve seen that it’s okay… So far so good,” Año said.
Metro Manila and 38 other areas shifted to Alert Level 1 yesterday amid a drop in their number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases and improved indicators.
Aside from Metro Manila, the IATF also placed Abra, Aklan, Angeles City, Apayao, Aurora, Bacolod City, Baguio City, Bataan, Batanes, Biliran, Bulacan, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Dagupan City, City of Santiago, Davao City, Guimaras, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, La Union, Marinduque, Naga City, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Puerto Princesa City, Quirino, Romblon, Siquijor, Tarlac, and Zamboanga City under Alert Level 1 from March 1 until 15.
Under Alert Level 1, all establishments, public transports, persons or activities are allowed to operate on a full capacity, provided that they are consistent with minimum public health standards.
Año said reports from the PNP and local government units showed people continued to observe minimum public health standards, including the wearing of face mask and observance of physical distancing, despite the relaxed mobility restrictions.
Año said he expects more people to go out during the first weekend under the Alert Level 1 status.
“We’ll see because that is what we want to happen – for people to go places while our (COVID-19 cases) are low,” he said, adding: “We will have another meeting on Sunday evening to assess our observation on the implementation of Alert Level 1 and what are the adjustments that should be made.”
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Romando Artes confirmed the DILG and the Metro Manila Council will meet on Sunday to assess the first-week implementation of the new status.
“The Metro Manila mayors will give a feedback or assessment to be able to do necessary adjustments on existing protocols and policies to be able to implement the Alert Level 1 system properly,” Artes said.
Health Undersecretary MA. Rosario Vergeire said it would take about 10 to 14 days of implementation before the impact and a full assessment on public compliance to health protocols can be determined.
TRANSPORT SECTOR
Año said the transportation sector is “very happy” with the increased number of people in the streets, with drivers excited with having more passengers and earning more, just in time to cushion the impact of the recent oil price hikes.
Año said there was traffic congestion along Edsa due to increased volume of vehicles.
Artes said the MMDA will reopen pre-pandemic routes of public transports in the NCR to respond to the influx of more passengers.
Artes said Martin Delgra, chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Transportation Undersecretary Steven Pastor have already given the green-light to the reopening of the routes, which were closed due to mobility restrictions due to COVID-19.
“As a general rule, almost all pre-pandemic routes will return,” he said.
100% GOV’T WORKFORCE
Malacañang ordered all agencies and offices of the government in areas under Alert Level 1 to “adhere to 100 percent on-site workforce.”
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the directive is “consistent with the de-escalation of certain areas in the country to Alert Level 1, and the release of an updated Alert Level System Guidelines.”
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, in signing Memorandum Circular No. 96 on February 28, also said that under an Alert Level 2, all agencies and instrumentalities of government must adhere to at least 80 percent on-site workforce; to 60 percent workforce under Alert Level 3; a 40 percent on-site workforce under Alert Level 4; and as skeleton workforce on-site and the remainder under alternative work arrangements under Alert Level 5.
Nograles said the directive “is intended to balance health considerations and the continuous delivery of public services, consistent with the updated Alert Level System.”
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Monday night had urged both government and private offices to start full in-person office operations to help increase spending and stimulate the economy. — With Jocelyn Montemayor and Noel Talacay
