By Pearl Gumapos
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III said Alert Level 1 implementation might be effective until the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term amid talks to lift alert levels.
“Alert Level 1 muna tayo, malamang hanggang sa katapusan ng termino ng ating Pangulong Duterte,” Duque said during the March 17 Laging Handa public briefing.
“Pero of course, hindi naman ‘yan pinipigilan na pag-aralan na kung ano ba ang mga hakbangin sa hinaharap,” he added.
The health official said the priority is to help areas under Alert Level 2 to transition to Alert Level 1. Currently, there are 57 areas under Alert Level 2 that have yet to strengthen their vaccination.
Duque said vaccination strategies are being strengthened to meet the government’s target to fully vaccinate 90 million individuals.
“Pinalalawig natin iyong strategies natin. Iyong mga sinusuyod na mga komyunidad, lalo na doon sa mataas pa ang bilang ng mga senior citizens na hindi pa nababakunahan,” he said.
Duque said they have yet to decide on the reported “Alert Level Zero,” but stressed that it is too early for the country to lift policies on the mandatory use of face masks as protection against COVID-19. – ag
