By Alec Go
Malacaῆang on Friday (Sept. 10) said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has “provisionally” approved the initial directions for the pilot implementation of the alert level system in Metro Manila, while discussion is ongoing on what level will be imposed on the region.
Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque said the protocols for areas with alert levels will be dependent on their alert level to be identified by the Department of Health (DOH) every week.
The new policy on lockdowns also requires a stricter granular lockdown implementation through limiting the categories of individuals allowed to go out for specific purposes.
The government said the pilot implementation of the alert level system will only take place in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting Sept. 16. Metro Manila will be under one alert level.
Detailed below are among the initial guidelines and directions for the new lockdown system as of Sept. 10.
Alert levels, capacity, transportation
Metro Manila will only have two quarantine classifications – enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as a “last resort” to be decided by the IATF, and a quarantine classification with alert levels 1 to 4 imposed on municipalities and specific areas.
“Ang isang lugar na hindi naka-total lockdown, ang gagamitin natin ay alert level 1, 2, 3, and 4. Ang restriction, hindi na base sa lugar. Ang restriction ay base na sa sektor, sa industriya, o sa aktibidades,” Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing said.
The fourth level will be the strictest in terms of establishments allowed to operate, with all contact, crowded areas, and close or indoor venues (3Cs) activities prohibited.
The most relaxed alert level 1 permits all activities and establishments to operate, except for areas under granular lockdown. Densing said they have yet to finalize whether an alert level 5 will be created to be used instead of ECQ to mean “hard lockdowns.”
An additional 10% capacity will be granted to establishments with the government’s Safety Seal certification.
Densing said public transportation will “normalize,” with the planned adjustments “dependent on market.”
“In other words, the more people they expect to go out, then there will be more transport systems that will be allowed… Even in Alert level 4, non-essential travel will be allowed, and the traveler will just be restricted based on the protocols of the LGU [local government unit] of destination,” he said.
Movement and other establishments
The other provisions of the guidelines include the lifting of all age-based restrictions in alert levels 1 to 3, subject to current protocols covering 3Cs establishments and those imposed by LGUs.
All government and private establishments may operate at full capacity under alert level 1.
Granular lockdowns
In areas under granular lockdown, only healthcare workers, inbound and outbound overseas Filipinos, and those with medical emergencies are allowed to go out.
Densing said a local health official must first recommend a granular lockdown before it is declared by local officials.
“Magbibigay na ng ayuda ang lokal na pamahalaan at ang DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] para hindi na kailangang lumabas ng kahit sino sa mga lugar na naka-granular lockdown,” Roque said.
What has yet to be announced
Roque said IATF members are debating on what alert level will be imposed on Metro Manila, following concerns raised by NCR mayors and health groups.
He said they are also discussing the allowed activities for vaccinated individuals such as limited al fresco dining.
Read more: NTF spox: New granular lockdown system moved due to guideline delay
National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 Spokesperson Restituto Padilla said earlier this week that the delay in the implementation of the new lockdown system was due to the delay in polishing comprehensive guidelines.
He said the guidelines will cover questions and concerns raised by local officials during their recent meeting.
Read more: Alert level basis clarification sought on new NCR lockdown system
Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to address the nation today (Sept. 10). It is not yet confirmed whether the alert level system for NCR will be announced in the Talk to the People briefing later. – jlo
