ALL AREAS IN PHL NOW ‘LOW RISK’ FOR COVID-19 Travel, businesses in full blast; foreign tourists admitted in April

By ALFRED GABOT

Editor in Chief

MANILA – All areas in the country, including those under Alert Level 2 earlier, are now classified as “low risk” for the new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), buoying hopes for businesses and industries, including transport and tourism establishments to recover and the workers gaining back full employment and benefits.

This as the government adopted measures to cushion the effects on the protracted Ukrain-Russia war which triggered spiralling of petroleum prices and basic goods. Among the measures are providing additional P200 monthly assistance to the poorest sector which are currently recipients of the 4 Ps, fuel subsidy to farmers, fisherfolk and drivers and public transport operators.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the government is studying Alert Level 0 and whether health protocols like wearing of face mask would stay as the threat of Covid-19 continues.

Dr. Ted Herbosa, a medical adviser, meanwhile, said that the National Capital Region (NCR) is already eligible for Alert Level 0 classification.

Herbosa said Metro Manila mayors have already recommended the shift of the metropolis to Alert Level 0, however, the public should be reminded that Covid-19 still exists.

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, reminded the people to continue wearing face masks, telling them that the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remains a threat to public health.

Covid-19 is still “alive” and “kicking.” Duterte said despite the continued downtrend in cases, especially in the highly populated National Capital Region and the outlying provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite.

From March 7 to 13, the Philippines logged only 4,131 new Covid-19 cases, according to the Department of Health.

Duterte said face mask would serve as the public’s weapon against the “uncontrolled” spread of Covid-19 as he called anew on those unvaccinated to get their vaccines.

A total of 64,660,228 Filipinos are now fully vaccinated, National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

The government is doubling its vaccination efforts to complete at least 77 million Filipinos by the end-March and 90 million Filipinos by June 30.

Duterte stressed the need to continue observing the minimum public health standards even after the most lenient Alert Level 1 has been implemented in some parts of the country.

“I suppose that until we’re in zero, we just maintain the [Alert] Level 1. And wear the mask. Importante talaga iyan (That’s really important). You just maintain. Make it a habit. Make it a habit to wear mask para mas maganda. Iyan ang tandaan ninyo (that’s better. Remember that),” he said.

Under Alert Level 1, movement of persons regardless of age and comorbidities is allowed, but with restrictions on crowded and closed spaces and close contact (3Cs) settings.

Private establishments and government agencies can also operate at full on-site capacity, subject to minimum public health standards.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the government is further strengthening its inoculation drive in areas remaining under Alert Level 2 to increase vaccination coverage so these can deescalate to Alert Level 1.

Vergeire said that there is no new uptick in Covid-19 cases nationwide and the Deltacron is not yet detected in the country.