AMID the possible threat of another coronavirus disease (Covid-19) surge, Davao City and Caraga in Davao Oriental are still placed under the less strict Alert Level 1 from May 1 to 15.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) announced the new alert level classification on Friday, April 29.

Meanwhile, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental will still be placed under Alert Level 2.

“Alert Level classifications of component cities and municipalities under IATF Resolution 166-A (s.2022) not otherwise affected by this Resolution shall remain in effect until May 15, 2022,” acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said.

The Department of Health (DOH) warned over the possible resurgence of Covid-19 cases, which can be triggered by the non-compliance to minimum health protocols and the entry of new Covid-19 sub-variants, especially of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant.

Health authorities had earlier detected the first case of Omicron BA.2.12 sub-variant in the country, with 44 close contacts in the cities of Quezon and Baguio.

Under Alert Level 1, all restrictions, including venue or transportation capacity and travel, will be removed and all businesses will be allowed to operate.

There will also no longer be restrictions for the vulnerable population such as children, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities.

The public, however, is advised to continue to adhere to minimum public health protocols, particularly the wearing of face masks and maintenance of physical distancing to prevent a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in the country.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said that Alert Level 1 could be considered the “new normal.”

A positivity rate of under five percent for two weeks is one of the indicators that coronavirus infections are under control, according to WHO.

According to DOH-Davao Covid-19 tracker as of April 28, the region's active cases is at 333. (With reports from SunStar Philippines)