CABINET Secretary and acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles yesterday said more areas in the country will be placed under Alert Level 1 if the public continues to observe health and safety protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
Nograles, who is also co-chairman of the IATF, said the National Capital Region and the 38 other cities and provinces were downgraded to Alert level 1 due to their cooperation with government and their adherence to minimum health protocols, among others.
The IATF has placed NCR, Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Kalinga, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, Quirino, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, Naga City and Catanduanes in Luzon under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15.
Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Biliran in the Visayas; and Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, and Davao City in Mindanao are also under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15.
Nograles said areas under Alert Level 1 starting March 1 were also able to meet the following conditions: having minimal to low-risk classification, less than 50 percent total bed utilization rate, full vaccination of 70 percent of the targeted population in an area, and full vaccination of 80 percent senior citizens or A2 population.
“We are seeing the same levels of cooperation in other areas and observing the same patterns of progress even in areas that are still under Alert Level 2, and if these are sustained, we are confident that more areas in the country will be placed under Alert Level 1,” he said.
Nograles said what is important in the lowering of alert level is it would contribute to more livelihood opportunities and better incomes.
He, however, said that while achieving the lowest alert level is a victory, it does not mean that COVID-19 is no longer a health risk.
“It is not yet time to celebrate. We still need to be responsible to ourselves, to our families and our community. While we have prevented a more serious COVID-19 situation, we are still under the threat of COVID-19,” he said.
Nograles and Health undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the alert level could go up anytime if cases surge and the hospital bed utilization rate increases.
In a television interview, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said it is imperative for the public to maintain adherence to the MPHS despite the shift to the least restrictive alert level.
“We must continue wearing our face masks properly. Let us stay only in areas with adequate ventilation,” said Duque, adding: “We should also get our booster shots as scheduled. And if we are feeling sick, let us do home isolation.”
Duque’s call was echoed by PMA President Dr. Benito Atienza, who warned of complacency against COVID-19.
“We hope they will continue observing the MPHS regardless of the alert level,” said Atienza in a televised public briefing.
Nograles reminded the public that only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to join mass gatherings, including campaign rallies.
He said the IATF continues to coordinate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure that safety and health remains to be observed during the campaign period.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Romando Artes said they have observed that people are having a hard time adhering to social distancing when holding campaign rallies or doing motorcades.
Artes said many people, however, wear face masks.
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Metro Manila’s shift to Alert Level 1 will further boost travel and tourism activities.
“Traveling between places under Alert Level 1 status is now easier and more convenient,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, whose department anticipates with optimism the revival of many tourism jobs and opportunities that were once lost to COVID-19 pandemic.
While health declaration forms will no longer be required, vaccinated individuals are still required to present proof of full vaccination before entry into any venues. The same rules apply in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments. — With Gerard Naval and Edison Gonzales
