THREE provinces and 18 towns/cities in the Philippines, including Talisay City in Cebu, have been placed under Alert Level 1, Malacañang announced Friday, April 8.

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a statement that the new alert status in 21 more areas will take effect Saturday, April 9, until April 15.

Added to the list of areas under Alert Level 1 are the following:

* Mountain Province in Cordillera Administrative Region

* Southern Leyte in Eastern Visayas

* Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao

* Buguias in Benguet

* Atimonan and Tiaong in Quezon

* Santa Magdalena in Sorsogon

* City of Masbate in Masbate

* Batad and Zarraga in Iloilo

* City of Talisay in Cebu

* Javier (Bugho) and La Paz in Leyte

* Maslog in Easter Samar

* Paranas (Wright) in Samar

* Linamon in Lanao del Norte

* Calamba in Misamis Occidental

* Padada in Davao del Sur

* Sibagat in Agusan del Sur

* Tubajon and Cagdianao in Dinagat Islands

Talisay City joined the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue in the list of areas under the lowest quarantine status so far. Also under level 1 in Central Visayas are Siquijor, Dumaguete City, and some areas in Bohol (Batuan, Corella, Dimiao, Jagna, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Sikatuna and Tagbilaran City).

Andanar said all other provisions as to the alert level of provinces, highly urbanized cities, independent component cities, component cities and municipalities under the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Resolution 165-E “not affected by the abovementioned alert level classification shall remain in effect until April 15, 2022.”

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

The vulnerable population, such as children, senior citizens and persons with comorbities, are also allowed to go out of their homes.

The government, however, advised the public 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. (LMY)