IATF to discuss Alert Level 0 metrics, elements — Duque

MANILA, Philippines — With the continued drop in COVID-19 infections and the overall improving pandemic situation in the country, the government is now set to discuss the possible easing of Metro Manila to “Alert Level 0,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Thursday.

Duque said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) will study the metrics and the “elements” for the implementation of Alert Level 0, and to determine which health protocols can already be discontinued.

He made the remark on the possible deescalation to Alert Level 0 as he touted the improving pandemic situation in the country, particularly the decline of COVID-19 infections.

“Kahit 100% capacity na sa mga establishments, patuloy na bumababa ang ating mga kaso. Anim na araw na tayo na below 1,000 cases daily. Hopefully mapababa pa natin ito ng 500 or even less on a daily basis. Malay natin baka naman pwede na magde-escalate sa Alert Level 0,” Duque said in a Laging Handa public briefing when asked to assess the Alert Level 1 implementation in Metro Manila.

(Even though establishments are allowed 100% capacity, infections are still declining. We have recorded less than 1,000 cases daily for six days. Hopefully this can be further decreased to 500 or even less. Maybe we can deescalate to Alert Level 0.)

“‘Yung Alert Level 0, pag-uusapan pa ‘yan ng IATF. Ano ba ang mga elements? Pwede na ba magtanggal ng mask? Pwede na ba ‘wag na sumunod sa hand hygiene? ‘Yung ventilations, sufficient ba? Marami mga tanong pang kailangan sagutin,” he added.

(The Alert Level 0 will be discussed by the IATF. What are the elements? Can we remove masks? Can we not practice hand hygiene? Are ventilations sufficient? There are many questions that need to be answered.)

He said this is already being studied by the experts panel and the DOH advisory group, which then will submit their recommendations to the IATF.

At present, Metro Manila and 38 areas are under the least restrictive Alert Level 1 where businesses and public transportation have been allowed to resume 100% of their capacity.

Duque said the implementation of Alert Level 1 in some areas in the country is “so far, so good” as COVID-19 infections are still dropping despite the easing of restrictions.

He said the IATF will be discussing on Thursday the possible implementation of Alert Level 1 in the whole country.

/MUF