PH looks ready for Alert Level 0, says infectious disease expert

MANILA, Philippines — As COVID-19 cases in the country continue to drop, the Philippines now looks ready for a deescalation to Alert Level 0, an infectious disease expert said Friday.

Dr. Rontgene Solante said this is based on the current metrics being observed, particularly the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases and the low healthcare utilization rate.

“If ever we we will be downgrading to Alert Level 0, mukhang ready na tayo,” he said in a Laging Handa public briefing when asked if he thinks the country is ready for deescalation.

(It looks like we are ready.)

Solante, a member of the government’s vaccine experts panel, however, said wearing of face masks and maintaining hand hygiene must still remain under Alert Level 0.

“I think that’s the more important part of protection even if limitations will be lifted,” he added.

The government is studying the elements and details of the proposed Alert Level 0.

Based on proposals, Solante said that under Alert Level 0, COVID-19 will only be treated as an ordinary infection just like the flu, tuberculosis or even dengue.

He said that among the important factors of the possible implementation of Alert Level 0 is that the country must have vaccinated 90% of its population so that sudden spikes or surges of COVID-19 infections will be avoided.

/MUF