IATF releases guidelines for new alert level system

THE national government is set to pilot in the National Capital Region (NCR) the implementation of a new alert level system to implement measures aimed at controlling transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The NCR will be under Alert Level 4 beginning September 16, 2021, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said on Tuesday, September 14.

The Department of Health (DOH) will determine the alert level of an area based on the transmission rate, bed utilization rate and intensive care utilization (ICU) rate.

On the other hand, the implementation of granular lockdowns or micro-level quarantine for areas classified as "critical zones" will depend on the assessment of the local government units (LGU).

Here are the guidelines based on alert level:

Alert Level 1 (Low transmission, bed utilization and ICU rates)

• People will be allowed to move except for reasonable restrictions such as in closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact settings.
• All business establishments are allowed to operate at full capacity provided that minimum health protocols such as wearing of face shield and face masks and observance of physical distancing are being followed.
• Policies mentioned do not apply to areas under granular lockdown.

• People will be allowed to move except for reasonable restrictions such as in closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact settings
• Intrazonal and interzonal travel may be allowed subject to the reasonable regulations of the LGU of destination
• Individual outdoor exercises shall be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status
• Business establishments with Safety Seal Certifications will be allowed to operate at an additional ten (10) percentage points beyond the prescribed on-site or venue/seating capacity
• Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall remain to be fully operational with at least 50 percent on-site capacity while other may work-from-home and apply for other flexible work arrangements
• The following business and activities will be allowed at a maximum of 50 percent venue capacity

• Movement of persons will also be allowed except for reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities
• People accessing essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices will be allowed
• Intrazonal and interzonal travel may be allowed subject to the reasonable regulations of the LGU of destination
• Individual outdoor exercises shall be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status
• All entertainment and recreational businesses and activities are not allowed
• Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall remain to be fully operational with at least 30 percent on-site capacity while other may work-from-home and apply for other flexible work arrangements
• The following business and activities will be allowed at a maximum of 50 percent venue capacity

• Persons below 18 and over 65 years old, those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women are required to stay at home unless they will access essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices
• Intrazonal and interzonal travel for persons not otherwise required to remain at their residences may be allowed subject to the reasonable regulations of the LGU of destination
• Individual outdoor exercises shall be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status but shall be limited within the general area of residence
• Outdoor or al fresco dine-in services in restaurants and eateries shall be allowed at a maximum of 30 percent seating capacity regardless of vaccination status.
• Indoor dine-in services may be allowed at a limited 10 percent eating capacity but will cater only to individuals fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in addition to their allowed outdoor or al fresco capacity. Their workers must also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Personal care services limited to barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons shall be allowed at a maximum of 30 percent venue capacity if such services are conducted outdoors regardless of vaccination status. These establishments are allowed to operate at a limited 1- percent indoor venue capacity but limited to individuals who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in addition to their allowed outdoor capacities
• Government agencies will operate at least 20 percent capacity while applying work from home arrangements
• On-site outdoor religious gatherings allowed at maximum of 30 percent venue capacity regardless of vaccination status. Indoor religious gatherings allowed at a limited 10 percent venue capacity but may accommodate only individuals including prayer leaders, priests imams, ministers and altar assistants who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in addition to their allowed outdoor capacities
• Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 shall be allowed, provided that the same shall be limited to immediate family members, upon satisfactory proof of their relationship with the deceased and with full compliance with the prescribed minimum public health standards.
• The following arrangements and establishments are also prohibited:

• Business establishment not mentioned prohibited are allowed to operate at 100 percent on-site venue capacity, provided they implement the minimum public health standards
• Measures does not apply in areas under granular lockdown