Philippine Medical Association wary of Alert Level 1 amid election campaign

Now is not the time to shift to Alert Level 1, the most relaxed of the COVID-19 restrictions, especially as the election campaign period has begun, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) said.

According to Ivan Mayrina's report on "24 Oras" on Monday, the medical association said the capital region should still be placed under Alert Level 2 to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

"Ayaw muna nating ibaba 'yong alert level from 2 to 1 kasi nga po pag Alert Level 2, nag-umpisa na 'yong kampaniyahan at makikita naman po natin na dinagsa 'yong mga rally natin eh hindi natin malaman diyan kung nasusunod (mga health protocols)," PMA president Dr. Benito Atienza said.

"Dapat po ang distancing ay one meter," he added.

Earlier in the day, Malacañang announced that Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 2 until the end of February.

Malacañang made the announcement after the Metro Manila Council unanimously agreed that the region should remain under the current alert level for the remainder of the month.

Under Alert Level 2 — the second lowest in the new alert level system — certain establishments and activities are allowed at 50% capacity indoors for fully vaccinated adults (and minors, even if unvaccinated), and 70% capacity outdoors.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News