THE Department of Interior and Local Government yesterday said it has not monitored any major problem in the implementation of the alert level system of quarantine outside the National Capital Region since last week.
DILG Undersecretary for operations Epimaco Densing III said people from the provinces actually welcomed the implementation of the system because it eased some restrictions.
The alert level system of quarantine allows more economic activities but warrants a stricter implementation of granular lockdown in areas where there are COVID-19 cases.
The alert level system outside NCR started last Wednesday in Negros Oriental and Davao Occidental (Alert Level 4); Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Siquijor, Davao del Norte and Davao City (Alert Level 3); Batangas, Quezon, Bohol, Cebu, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Lucena City, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City (Alert Level 2).
“Since we started it last Wednesday, we have not heard of any major concern in terms of implementation. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, people like it because restrictions were eased a bit,” said Densing.
He said authorities are only strict in areas that are under granular lockdown and in 3C’s or confined spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with no physical distancing, and close-contact settings with face-to-face interaction.
“All other areas other than those 3Cs, they (people) have freedom to go out as long, I repeat, they observe minimum public health standards — (wearing of) face mask, face shield if necessary, social distancing and washing of hands,” Densing said.
He said authorities are still collating data that will help them determine the possibility of expanding the alert level system of quarantine on a nationwide scale.
After the data collection is completed, Densing said they will consult with local chief executives “to discuss the possible nationwide rollout of the alert level system.”
On the possible downgrade of NCR’s alert level system to 2 from the current 3, Densing said this is possible if the daily COVID-19 cases will further go down and healthcare utilization rate further improves.
PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar cautioned the public on the holding of Halloween parties and trick or treat in the coming days, adding such gatherings are allowed only if they are within the family’s bubble.
He said some may become complacent and hold large-scale activities amid the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Eleazar also reiterated a warning to establishments to follow protocols or face closure.
A bar in Makati City was recently raided by authorities for not observing health protocols and curfew hours. Police said the bar accommodated around 200 customers, which is beyond its allowed capacity.
The customers were brought to the police station and fined while the bar is in danger of being closed by the city government for the violation.
Trial of corruption cases stalled for months during the COVID-19 lockdown can now move forward after the Sandiganbayan announced that in-court hearings have been resumed, albeit under strict conditions.
Invoking the Supreme Court’s Administrative Circular No. 83 issued last October 18, the anti-graft court said it will require negative antigen or reverse transcription — polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results from lawyers, parties, and defendants who will appear for court hearings.
The special court said it will continue with is skeleton staffing as an additional safeguard to assure physical distancing among court personnel in their offices.
Before being allowed entry into the court premises, the lawyer, party, or witness must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours before his/her court appearance. — With Peter Tabingo
