Written by Charmaine Angeli L. Laya
Published April 14, 2022
MANILA, Philippines - The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved on March 31 the inclusion of additional municipalities, cities and provinces in the classification of areas under Alert Level 1 from April 1 to 15, according to acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar.
On April 8, the Malacañang placed seventeen more areas under Alert Level 1 from April 9 to April 15, with the approval of the IATF. These are Mountain Province, Southern Leyte, Misamis Oriental, Baguias (Benguet), Atimonan and Tiaong (Quezon), Santa Magdalena (Sorsogon), City of Masbate, Batad and Zarraga (Iloilo), City of Talisay (Cebu), Javier (Bugho) and La Paz (Leyte), Maslog (Eastern Samar), Paranas (Western Samar), Linamon (Lanao del Norte), Calamba (Misamis Occidental), Padada (Davao del Sur), Sibagat (Agusan del Sur), and Tubaian and Cagdianao (Dinagat Islands).
COVID-19 Alert Level 1 is the least restrictive in the country’s five-tiered system, where intrazonal and interzonal travel are allowed regardless of age or comorbidities.
“All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards; provided further, that face to face classes for basic education shall be subject to prior approval of the Office of the President,” the Department of Health stated on their official website.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that COVID-19 cases in the country are likely to surge due to unsafe gatherings related to the 2022 elections and Holy Week.
“We have come a long way in our COVID-19 response, but the pandemic is not over yet,” said Dr. Rajenda Yadav, Acting WHO Representative to the Philippines. “Let us continue to protect our families and communities and make the holidays safe and meaningful. We can gather safely - in small groups, outdoors, and for shorter durations. Let us continue to encourage our family members, especially senior citizens and those at high risk, to get vaccinated with their primary doses and boosters. No one should be left behind. No one is safe until everyone is safe.”
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