IATF to finalize Alert Level 1 metrics: DILG chief

MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año on Friday said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) is set to finalize the metrics for areas that will be downgraded to Alert Level 1.

Based on the metrics, Año said the National Capital Region (NCR) is qualified to be downgraded to Alert Level 1 but the question on the region’s readiness for the major shift remains as some sectors raised concern that this may cause another coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) surge.

“Based on the metrics Metro Manila is qualified but the question is if Metro Manila is ready which the mayors gave an affirmative answer. Second, of course, it needs the approval of the President on that since Alert Level 1 is a major shift from Alert Level 2 so we have yet to finalize it,” he told reporters when sought for a comment on the sidelines of the 36th Edsa People Power Revolution anniversary rites at the People Power Monument.

Año said it would be best to wait for President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement whether to approve or not the Alert Level 1 de-escalation in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

“A presentation will be made this Saturday and a referendum on the data analytics. Then we will recommend to the President which areas may be deescalated to Alert Level 1,’’ he added.

With regards to the start of the local election campaign on March 25, Año clarified that Commission on Election (Comelec) Resolution 10732 is anchored on the country’s alert level system.

“In case of areas under Alert Level 1, the capacity will be limited to 70 percent both for indoors and outdoors campaign activities,’’ he said.

However, Año said the IATF is discussing matters on whether only vaccinated individuals against Covid-19 will be allowed to participate in election campaign activities.