Alert Level 1 rules may change after IATF meeting, DILG exec says

The rules set under Alert Level 1 for COVID-19 risk may still change depending on the discussion of the Inter-Agency Task Force, an official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said the IATF will have a meeting on Thursday afternoon.

"Sa Alert Level 1, wala na po 'yang capacity restrictions. Ang kailangan lang po i-impose diyan yung minimum public health standards ng pagsusuot ng face mask, pagdidistansya, paghuhugas ng kamay. Pero baka magbago pa ho yan. Baka may idagdag pa o may mababawasan base sa magiging usap ng IATF ngayong hapon," Densing said.

(The Alert Level 1 rules may still change. There may be some additional or diminished rules based on the discussion of the IATF this afternoon)

Metro Manila mayors earlier agreed to recommend the deescalation of the region's status to Alert Level 1 from Alert Level 2 starting March 1, 2022.

Under the Executive Order 151 on alert level system, Densing said there will be no more restrictions for establishments on their capacity under Alert Level 1.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards.

Densing said the DILG is worried that campaign rallies may use 100% of their venue amid the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only minimum health protocols like the wearing of face masks, social distancing, and washing of hands will be maintained.

Due to this, Densing said the DILG may propose that campaign rallies should still have a limit on capacity. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News