A more relaxed Alert Level 1 will start tomorrow, March 1 and the government expects everyone to be mindful that the threat of coronavirus is still there. Hence, health protocols must be observed at all times such as wearing mask. (Photo by Mau Victa/THEPHILBIZNEWS)
By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
With the government’s decision to fully open the economy and suspend travel restrictions especially in the National Capital Region and other 38 areas from March 1-15, it is very important for everyone to know and understand what each alert level means.
Alert levels is based onm the health situation of the localilty and decided after the consultation with health experts, data available and other stakeholders. This is carefully evaluated before it is decided. But before deciding what levels should be implemented, valid data gathered regularly is necesessary in order to determine the alert-level system with indicators and thresholds.
The following Alert Levels will help not just travellers but also the business owners and their customers.
Alert Level 1
The lowest alert level is imposed on areas with low and decreasing COVID-19 case transmission, total hospital bed utilization rate, and intensive care unit utilization rate.
Movement of persons is permitted except in closed spaces or activities that would require close contact, which may also be identified by the local government units (LGUs).
Establishments and activities are allowed to operate at full capacity in accordance with the minimum public health standards. This will not be applicable for areas under granular lockdown.
Alert Level 2
Movement of persons under this alert level is allowed except for restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by LGUs. The restrictions should not be stricter than the rules prescribed in Alert Level 4.
Individual outdoor exercises are allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 regardless of age, comorbidities, or vaccination status.
Dine-in businesses, personal care services, entertainment and recreational venues, mass gatherings, funeral services, meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibits, and indoor tourist attractions are permitted to operate at a maximum of 50% capacity. Those with Safety Seal Certifications will be allowed to operate an additional 10% beyond the prescribed capacity.
Other businesses and activities that are not mentioned above are allowed to operate at a full capacity, except for those areas under granular lockdown. A minimal on-site working capacity is also encouraged for establishments in this category.
Government agencies and instrumentalities shall remain in full operation in these areas and must implement an on-site working capacity of at least 50% mixed with work-from-home arrangements.
Alert Level 3
Areas under this level are those with high and/or increasing case count, and increasing bed utilization and intensive care utilization rates.
Movement shall be allowed for reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities as may be determined by the local government. Restrictions should not be stricter than the ones stated under Alert Level 4.
People should be allowed access to essential goods and services, or to work only in permitted industries.
Intrazonal and interzonal travel may be allowed subject to guidelines set by the LGU of destination.
Individual outdoor exercises shall be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination statues.
Businesses or activities that are allowed to operate or be undertaken at maximum of 30% capacity are: indoor dine-in, personal care services, indoor tourist attractions, indoor venues for MICE, indoor recreational venues, indoor in-person examinations, in-door sports venues, gaming establishments, in-person religious gatherings, funeral services, and social gatherings.
Operations of indoor entertainment venues like cinemas, venues with live performers, and amusement parks remain prohibited.
Those with Safety Seal Certifications are allowed to operate at an additional 10% beyond the prescribed capacity.
All other establishments or activities not mentioned are allowed to operate at full capacity except for those in areas under granular lockdown. Minimal on-site working and flexible working arrangements are also encouraged.
Government agencies shall remain fully operational, while also observing 50% on-site capacity and flexible working arrangements.
Alert Level 4
Persons below 18 years old and over 65 years old, those with health comorbidities, and pregnant women are not allowed to go out of their houses in this alert level. However, they are permitted to go outside if they are buying essential goods or services or working in permitted industries.
They may also do individual outdoor exercises but only within the general area of their residence like within their barangay, purok or subdivision as stated in the revised guidelines issued on Sept. 24.
Should the pilot be extended beyond Sept. 30, fully vaccinated individuals over 65 years old will be allowed individual outdoor exercises beyond the general area of their residences.
Intrazonal and interzonal travel for persons not required to remain at home may be permitted, subject to rules imposed by LGUs.
Individual outdoor exercises are allowed in areas under Alert Level 4 regardless of age, comorbidities, or vaccination status. These should be limited within their place of residence such as barangay, purok, or subdivision/village.
Outdoor dine-in services, barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, beauty salons, and physical religious gatherings are allowed to operate for up to 30% of their outdoor seating capacity regardless of vaccination status.
These establishments and services can operate indoors for up to 10% capacity, but only for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Workers in these businesses and services – along with religious ministers and their assistants – must have completed their inoculation as well.
Government agencies and instrumentalities must remain in full operation in these areas and must follow an on-site working capacity of at least 20% backed with work-from-home arrangements.
Prohibited to operate under this alert level are medical aesthetic clinics, cosmetic or derma clinics, make-up salons, reflexology, aesthetics, wellness, and holistic centers, and other similar establishments, acupuncture and electrocautery establishments, and massage therapy – including sports therapy establishments.
The IATF said home service for these activities are also not allowed.
Indoor sports courts or venues, fitness studios, gyms, spas or other indoor leisure centers or facilities, and swimming pools must remain closed as well. All contact sports are likewise prohibited except for those held under a bubble-type setup catering to the IATF’s guidelines and approved by the concerned LGU.
Indoor entertainment venues, venues with live performers, outdoor and indoor amusement or theme parks and kid amusement industries likewise remain prohibited.
Other businesses and activities that are not mentioned above are allowed to operate at a full capacity, except for those areas under granular lockdown. A minimal on-site working capacity is also encouraged for establishments in this category.
Alert Level 5
Areas under this highest alert level are those identified with “alarming” case counts and critical bed and ICU utilization rates.
This will follow the rules being implemented during enhanced community quarantine.