DILG: Health protocols enforcement intensified in NCR under Alert Level 4

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday ordered an intensified enforcement of minimum public health standards in Metro Manila as the region shifts to Alert Level 4.

In a statement, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año gave the instruction to the local government units and the National Capital Region Police Office.

“With the shift to a new alert level system in Metro Manila, the most basic of rules have not changed,” he said.

“We still have to ensure that the people observe MPHS like frequent washing of hands, wearing of face mask and face shield, and physical distancing in order to prevent the further transmission of the virus,” he added.

Año said LGUs and the NCRPO should reactivate their task force disiplina, barangay disiplina brigades, force multipliers and police marshals to manage restricted activities.

Based on the new government guidelines with an alert level system, the DILG said the five alert levels would allow most activities except those classified as closed, crowded and close contact or the 3Cs.

“While we have allowed many activities to happen under the new Alert Level System, social events like parties, wedding receptions, debuts, birthday and other parties, family reunions, parades, motorcades and gathering at private residences with any person outside of one’s immediate household are not allowed under Alert Level 4,” the DILG chief said.

On Tuesday, Año said NCR will be under Alert Level 4 as part of the pilot of the implementation of the new alert level system.

He called on all barangay captains and chiefs of police to strictly monitor all activities within their areas of jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the new guidelines.

The DILG warned that officials who will not proactively implement the new regulations will be sanctioned for dereliction of duty.

Areas under Alert Level 4 — the second highest alert level in the new scheme — are those with infections that are high or increasing while total beds and ICU beds are at high utilization rate.

Those who are not allowed outside their residences under Alert Level 4 are:

• persons below 18 years old
• those who are over 65 years of age
• those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, or other health risks
• pregnant women

These individuals will only be allowed to go out to access or obtain essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices.

Under Alert Level 4, intrazonal and interzonal travel for persons not otherwise required to remain at their residences may be allowed subject to the reasonable regulations of the local government of destination. — RSJ, GMA News