DESPITE the gradual easing of health restrictions, 32 areas in the country will remain under Covid-19 Alert Level 2 from November 1 to 15, 2022, based on the latest classifications released by the Department of Health (DOH).
In a statement, the DOH said Alert Level 2 remains in effect in Benguet, Ifugao, Quezon, Palawan, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Antique, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Isabela City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
"Based on the recently approved alert level classifications, 32 provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities are under Alert Level 2," said the DOH.
On the other hand, 89 areas nationwide, including the National Capital Region (NCR), have been classified under Alert Level 1.
These are the NCR, Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Mountain Province, Kalinga, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, Santiago City, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena City, Rizal, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Naga City and Sorsogon in Luzon.
Also under Alert Level 1 are Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo City, Iloilo, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Siquijor, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte and Tacloban City in Visayas.
In Mindanao, under Alert Level 1 are Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Iligan City, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, Davao Oriental, General Santos City, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Butuan City, Surigao del Sur and Cotabato City.
"A total of 89 out of 121 provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities are under Alert Level 1," said the DOH.
Despite this, DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the fight against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is not yet over.
"Deescalation does not mean that the battle with Covid-19 is already over. These current numbers are not permanent. We must all work together to maintain these low numbers," said Vergeire.
With this, she said there is a need for all local government units (LGUs) to be more responsible in maintaining the established health protocols.
"We call on our LGUs to intensify the implementation of strategies and policies against Covid-19, including vaccination, isolation, physical distancing, and proper ventilation," said the health official.
She added the public must do their part in ensuring they are protected against the virus.
"It is very important that we know how to assess the risks in removing our masks," said Vergeire.
On Friday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 07, which makes the wearing of face masks in indoor areas optional. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)