Restrictions on activities in areas under Alert Level 1 lifted

FILE: Families enjoy their picnic at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Thursday (Feb. 10, 2022). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – Despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the restrictions on indoor and outdoor activities in areas placed under the most lenient Alert Level 1 have been lifted, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) allowed the full operations of establishments in places under Alert Level 1, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said.

Andanar said the IATF-EID’s latest decision was contained in the updated guidelines on the nationwide alert level systems for Covid-19 approved on Saturday.

“The government pandemic task force recognizes the need to further identify the establishments and/or activities which are allowed to operate, or be undertaken in Alert Level 1,” Andanar said in a press statement.

Under the revised guidelines, all establishments and activities prohibited or allowed to operate or be undertaken in limited capacity under Alert Levels 5, 4, 3, and 2 can operate at “full 100 percent capacity” in areas under the most relaxed Alert Level 1.

However, a person participating in mass gatherings or entering indoor establishments must present proof of full vaccination against Covid-19, according to the new guidelines.

“Having said this, IATF allowed full 100 percent capacity under Alert Level 1, subject to presentation of proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments,” Andanar said.

Nationwide Alert Level 1

From May 30 to June 5, the Philippines reported 1,295 new Covid-19 cases.

The country’s daily average of Covid-19 cases went down to 185 from May 30 to June 5, or 1.4 percent lower than the previous week, according to the data released by the Department of Health (DOH).

While acknowledging that the country remained at “low risk” in terms of Covid-19 infection rate, Andanar said the government still needs to undertake a thorough study of the possible nationwide Alert Level 1.

“Palagay ko, kailangang pag-aralan ng mabuti (I think, we have to study that carefully),” Andanar said when asked if there is a possibility that all areas in the country might be placed under Alert Level 1 in the second half of June.

Andanar also reminded the public anew to continue following the minimum public health standards to protect themselves from the threat of Covid-19.

“Again, we can never be sure of what will happen in the future kaya ibayong pag iingat pa rin at pagsunod sa mga health protocol (that’s why we still have to be careful and follow health protocols),” he said.

Over 200 places nationwide, including Metro Manila, have been placed under Alert Level 1 from June 1 to 15.