MANILA – There are no changes in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) alert levels in Western Visayas for the remainder of the month.
Eight areas will still be under Alert Level 1 and three will remain under Alert Level 2 from March 16 to 31, according to acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar, citing the latest resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).
The Department of Health (DOH) made it clear, however, that all areas in the country including those under Alert Level 2 in Western Visayas, are now classified as low risk for COVID-19).
In an online media forum, Health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the government is strengthening its inoculation drive especially in Alert Level 2 areas to increase vaccination coverage so these can deescalate to Alert Level 1.
Staying under Alert Level 1 for the remainder of the month are the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod and the provinces of Aklan, Capiz and Guimaras.
It was unclear if Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas was able to send his letter to the IATF asking that the metro be placed under Alert Level 0.
Under Alert Level 1, which is described by the Department of Health (DOH) as the “new normal”, intrazonal and interzonal travel is allowed regardless of age and comorbidities.
All establishments, persons or activities are permitted to operate, work or be done at full onsite capacity provided that health standards are observed.
In person or “face-to-face” classes for basic education is subject to the approval of the Office of the President.
On the other hand, Antique, Iloilo Province and Negros Occidental remain under the stricter Alert Level 2.
While intrazonal and interzonal movement is allowed, this is subject to reasonable restrictions that local government units may impose.
Select establishments or activities are permitted to operate at a maximum of 50 percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 70 percent outdoor capacity.
Except for Iloilo City, which shifted to Alert Level 1 on March 11, the other parts of the region are under their current COVID-19 alert levels since March 1./PN
