FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases revised the current COVID-19 alert level metrics being used, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Thursday.
The task force set a limit for the average daily attack rate (Adar) per risk classification:
- Low risk areas – Adar should be less than 6
- Moderate risk areas – Adar should be 6-18
- High risk areas – Adar should be more than 18
Adar is the number of infected individuals per 100,000 population.
Meanwhile, the following are the new criteria to downgrade an area to Alert Level 1:
- low to minimal risk case classification
- total bed utilization rate of less than 50 percent
- full vaccination of 70 percent of its target population
- full vaccination of 80 percent of its senior citizens’ target population
According to Nograles, also the IATF co-chair, the Alert Level Matrix will continue to use the cross-tabulation of case classification and total COVID-19 bed utilization.
The amended metrics would be used in determining the alert level classification that will be raised in areas of the country on March 1.
Currently, Alert Level 3 is raised in Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga City.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country are under Alert Level 2 until the end of February.