Palace: IATF’s job continues, as public awaits COVID alert level updates

The job of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases continues even with the new administration. INQUIRER file photo / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) job for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases continues even with the new administration, the Palace said Thursday.

In a press briefing, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles was asked for an update regarding the status of the COVID-19 alert level system implemented by the IATF.

The latest update, announced before President Rodrigo Duterte stepped down from his post, will lapse on Friday.

“Hindi natin masasabi kung kailan sila (IATF) magme-meet. Ang masasabi lang natin, tuloy-tuloy naman po ang trabaho ng IATF,” Cruz-Angeles said in a press briefing.

(We cannot say when the IATF will meet. What we can say is that the job of the IATF continues.)

“Hindi naman sila naantala kahit nagka-bagong administrasyon. Itinutuloy pa rin ang IATF,” she added.

(They were not delayed even with the new administration. The IATF was continued.)

Asked if the public can expect an announcement before July 15, Cruz-Angeles said: “Titingnan natin. Medyo speculative e. Kasi pwede naman tayong gumawa ng extension for necessary agencies kung saka-sakali so we will see.”

(We will see. It’s still speculative because we can have an extension for necessary agencies so that we will see.)

Currently, Metro Manila and several provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities are placed under COVID-19 Alert Level 1 until July 15.

Health undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire, who now also serves as the officer-in-charge of the Department of Health, said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. instructed them to study further the COVID-19 alert level system being implemented by the government.

JMS/abc