MANILA – Western Visayas will be retaining its existing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) alert levels beginning today until Aug. 15.
The Department of Health, sitting as chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, said Negros Occidental and Antique remain under Alert Level 2.
“Alert Level 2 is without prejudice to their respective component cities and municipalities which may otherwise be classified herein,” said DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.
Negros Occidental and Antique have been downgraded to COVID-19 Alert Level 2 since the start of March after weeks of being under Alert Level 3.
Under Alert Level 2, certain establishments and activities are allowed at 50% capacity indoors for fully vaccinated adults (and minors, even if unvaccinated), and 70% capacity outdoors.
Vergeire, meanwhile, said Barbaza town in Antique has been deescalated to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 due to the decreasing number of infections there.
Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Aklan, Bacolod City, Guimaras, and Capiz will also remain under Alert Level 1 for the first 15 days of August, the DOH OIC further said.
Under COVID-19 Alert Level 1, establishments and public transportation can operate at full capacity, while schools can also implement in-person classes.
Vergeire encouraged the public to continue to comply with the minimum public health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections and its other variants.
“Our continued compliance with the minimum public health standards – wearing the best fitting mask, isolating when sick, doubling up protection through vaccines and boosters, and ensuring good airflow keeps us safe,” she said./PN
