Health workers’ group backs Alert Level 2 in NCR but reminds public to observe health protocols

The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) on Tuesday backed shifting the National Capital Region from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 citing the decline of COVID-19 cases.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, PCP president Dr. Maricar Limpin reminded the public to maintain observing minimum public health standards in case of lowering the alert level.

“Base naman sa dami ng mga kaso ngayon ay talaga naman puwede nating ibaba na sa Alert Level 2 (Based on the number of cases now, we can really lower it to Alert Level 2),” she said.

Limpin pointed out that compliance to the health protocols is the most important and most effective strategy to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 3 until November 14. 

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments are allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

For Alert Level 2, establishments will be allowed to operate indoors at 50% capacity with additional 10% capacity if they have a safety seal. For outdoors, they will be allowed at 70%.

Non-COVID-19 patients

Amid the decreasing number of infected patients, Limpin said the number non-COVID-19 patients is increasing in hospitals.

Many patients, who are previously scared of getting infected amid the surge of cases, are now comfortable going to hospitals, she added.

Limpin also expressed hesitancy over the move of the Department of Transportation to allow up to 70% the capacity of public utilities vehicles.

For her, the adjustment will compromise social distancing. With the possible heavier traffic, she pointed out that passengers would stay longer inside the vehicles, which increases the risk for infection.

Limpin also lauded the move of the government to get rid of plastic barriers inside PUVs, saying that they were unnecessary. — RSJ, GMA News