Municipalities can now be deescalated to Alert Level 1 –Palace

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) included municipalities in the localities that can be downgraded to Alert Level 1 in COVID-19 risk classification, Malacañang said on Friday.

At the Palace briefing, acting deputy presidential spokesperson Kristian Ablan said the IATF amended the recommendation of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 and the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC).

“Sinama ang municipalities sa maaaring ma-deescalate sa Alert Level 1 (Municipalities were included in the localities that can be deescalated to Alert Level 1),” he said.

Previously, only cities, provinces, and regions were the localities assessed for COVID-19 alert levels.

Ablan added that low-risk total bed utilization rate of provinces and regions was also added as a criterion for component cities and municipalities to be placed under Alert Level 1.

Until March 31, the IATF placed the National Capital Region and 47 other areas under Alert Level 1, while other areas not on the list are under Alert Level 2.

The following criteria should be met

• low to minimal risk case classification
• total bed utilization rate of less than 50%
• full vaccination of 70% of its target population (denominator is 80% of its total population)
• full vaccination of 80% of its Priority Group A2 (senior citizens) or target population (denominator is 85% of A2 population)

Under Alert Level 1, all establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it follows minimum health standards. This, however, excludes areas under granular lockdown.

On Thursday, independent monitoring group OCTA Research said the Philippines remained under the “very low risk” category as neighboring countries like Vietnam, Singapore, and Brunei experienced a “severe outbreak” of infections. — DVM, GMA News