DTI chief: COVID-19 alert levels system can now be implemented nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Thursday said he believes the government’s new COVID-19 alert levels system can already be implemented nationwide.

The new policy shifted the focus from community-wide quarantine restrictions to granular lockdowns.

“Kung ‘yung tatanungin ay kung p’wede na kayang i-rollout ‘yung alert level system natin — of course with varying levels depende sa sitwasyon ng lugar — mukhang p’wede naman,” he said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

(If the question is whether the alert level system could already be implemented nationwide — of course with varying levels depending on the situation of the area — I believe so.)

“Dahil so far tagumpay naman ang pag-i-implement ng alert level system,” he added.

(So far, our pilot implementation is successful.)

So far, the five-tier alert level system is being piloted in 44 areas in the country, including Metro Manila which is currently under Alert Level 2.

All other areas are under the previous quarantine classifications such as the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ).

Lopez said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can recommend implementing the alert level system nationwide.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said a total of 413 areas across the country are placed under granular lockdown as of Nov. 6, affecting a total of 7,000 households or 29,000 individuals.

/MUF