DILG implements Alert Level System nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will implement the Alert Level system all over the country starting tomorrow.

DILG undersecretary Epimaco Densing said the system focuses on granular or localized lockdowns, instead of the previous citywide or regional lockdowns.

“Starting Monday, the entire country will be using the Alert Level System and focus on granular lockdowns,” Densing said partly in Filipino over dzBB.

President Duterte last week approved the rollout of the COVID-19 Alert Level System across the country.

Under Executive Order 151, which Duterte issued last week, the system is to be implemented in four phases. The Alert Level System was first piloted in Metro Manila.

Densing is hopeful that the National Capital Region (NCR) would be downgraded to Alert Level 1 by Dec. 1.

“So far, only the NCR is qualified (to be placed under Alert Level 1) followed by the Calabarzon (region). But we are still looking at the figures. We will be requiring a minimum number of establishments that already have the safety seal,” he explained.

While the system is due for national implementation, he said that private establishments and employers could still require the wearing of face shields among their patrons.

“The general rule is ‘no face shields’ except in establishments where it is required. If these establishments would require wearing one, then one has to wear it to enter the private facility,” he added.