Cebu on Alert Level 2 for rest of October as new classification system is expanded

CEBU, Philippines —  The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of COVID-19 has expanded the coverage of the new Alert Levels System outside Metro Manila starting today, October 20, 2021.

There are five alert levels and they are determined “through system indicators, triggers and thresholds… to specify the public health and social measures to be taken in relation to the COVID-19 response.”

Areas are placed on Alert Level 1 if case transmission is low and decreasing, total bed utilization rate, and intensive care unit utilization rate is low.

They are placed on Alert Level 2 if case transmission is low and decreasing, healthcare utilization is low, or case counts are low but increasing, or case counts are low and decreasing but total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate is increasing.

They are placed on Alert Level 3 if case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at increasing utilization.

An Alert Level 4 is raised when case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at high utilization.

An Alert Level 5 is raised over areas where case counts are alarming, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at a critical level.

Local governments in Cebu will be under Alert Level 2 from October 20 to 31, 2021. The situation will be like under general community quarantine, says Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, chief pathologist of the Department of Health (DOH)-7 and spokesperson of the Visayas Vaccination Operations Center (VVOC).

Loreche said that IATF should be putting specific details or numbers to determine the alert level, especially that unlike the old quarantine classifications the new system cannot be appealed as it is based on scientific metrics.

Under the new set-up, LGUs may go for granular lockdowns instead of a city-wide or region-wide lockdowns.

Cebu City Acting mayor Michael Rama welcomed such development but opposed granular lockdowns, saying, it is already a thing of the past.

“Level up naman unta ta ba… dapat, bottom up approach na ta… I told them I’m not comfortable with the world granular, unya lockdown pa… baka ma-knockdown tayo,” he said.

He also said that classifications should be appealable.

 “Everything can be appealed. Even in the court of justice, there is such a thing. Dapat pud unta, dili lang two weeks para dili libog kaayo,” he said.

Alert level 2

Under Alert Level 2, intrazonal and inter-zonal travel is allowed subject to reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by the LGUs, which should not be stricter as those prescribed under Alert Level 4 and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of the regional IATF.

“This provided that those below eighteen (18) years of age, and those belonging to the vulnerable population, shall be allowed access to obtain essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices in accordance with existing labor laws, rules, and regulations.”

More establishments or activities will be allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70 percent outdoor venue capacity.

“This provided, that all workers/employees of these establishments are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and MPHS shall be strictly maintained,” the IATF said.

The LGU should approve these activities and places, including venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE); or those for social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers.

Visitor or tourist attractions such as libraries, archives, museums, galleries, exhibits, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks, amusement parks or theme parks, recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, skating rinks, archery halls, swimming pools, and similar venues are also allowed now on a certain capacity.

Even cinemas and movie houses, if the LGUs permits, as well as limited face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education, and limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training can be allowed subject to prior approval of the Office of the President.

In-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 and for the cremains of the COVID-19 deceased are also allowed.

Licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations administered by government agencies concerned, and specialty examinations authorized by the IATF subject to the health and safety guidelines, are also allowed.

Other activities that are allowed are dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants, and eateries, subject to DTI sector-specific protocols,

Personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas, and those offering aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, salons, spas, reflexology, and other similar procedures, including home service options, subject to the sector-specific protocols of the DTI, are also allowed.

Fitness enthusiasts may now go to fitness studios, gyms, and venues for individual non-contact exercise and sports, subject to DTI sector-specific protocols. The LGU can also allow contact sports.

Film, music, and television production are also allowed, subject to the joint guidelines as may be issued by the DTI, DOH, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Funfairs/peryas or kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides; and venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters may also be allowed.

Gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household may be permitted.

Agencies and instrumentalities of the government, on the other hand, shall remain to be fully operational and shall adhere to at least 50 percent on-site capacity while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements.

Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments, however, shall not be allowed to operate, or be undertaken in areas classified under Alert Level 2 except as may be authorized by the IATF or the Office of the President. — JMO (FREEMAN)