Palace: COVID-19 policy banning unvaccinated in enclosed spaces won't apply on Election Day

The Palace said Monday that the COVID-19 Alert Level 1 policy that only allows individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in enclosed spaces did not cover May 9 - Election Day.

"The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) issuance on Alert Level 1 areas covers election-related activities, but those refer to pre-Election Day activities," explained  acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier said that individuals who were  unvaccinated against COVID-19 would still be allowed to cast their vote in schools that serve as voting precincts during the first-ever election to be held during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We remain in touch with Comelec if there will be additional protocols and procedures to be put in place to ensure safety in the conduct of the elections, and we fully respect the independence of the Comelec as a constitutional body in conducting elections," Nograles added.

Metro Manila and 38 other areas have been placed under Alert Level 1, the lowest of all Alert Levels, from March 1 to 15.

Nograles, however, stressed that the public should stay vigilant.

"We still have to wear tight-fitting face masks, get vaccinated and booster shot as soon as we are eligible to get it. And closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings should be limited to those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for those aged 18 and up," Nograles added.

There are at least 67 million registered voters for the 2022 polls.

Registered voters are aged 18 and above. — DVM, GMA News