NCR mayors recommend COVID Alert Level 2 retention in Metro Manila until Feb. 28
The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has recommended the extension of the implementation of the COVID Alert Level 2 in the National Capital Region (NCR) until the end of February.
In deciding to retain the Alert Level 2, the MMC said it all the mayors in the NCR have taken the side of prudence especially that 12 Local Government Units in Metro Manila are still under the Moderate Risk classification.
While the assessment of health experts, as well as the downtrend in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) classification, are encouraging, the MMC argued that easing the restriction in the metropolis may result in super-spreader events because the country is currently under the campaign period.
The easing of restrictions in time for the Holiday Season in December last year was blamed for the sudden upsurge of COVID cases in the country. This resulted in the implementation of stricter measures that include the controversial restriction on the movement of the unvaccinated individuals.
Following the series of high daily COVID cases, the implementation of the Alert Level 3 status especially in Metro Manila has resulted in the gradual decrease of COVID cases.
The MMC said the Department of Health earlier stated that the hospital utilization rate for COVID cases in Metro Manila has been on downward trend and was at 27 percent as of Feb. 10.
It also noted a low infection rate as of Feb. 10 and in fact, five LGUs in Metro Manila were already placed under Low Risk classification.
"While the above data are truly encouraging and manifest an improving COVID-19 situation in NCR, the Metro Manila Council has prudently taken a uniform an united position to urge the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) to extend the COVID-19 Alert Level 2 Status in the NCR util February 28," the MMC Resolution dated Feb. 13 read.
The Resolution was signed by all the 17 Metro Manila mayors and Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) Officer-In-Charge Romando Artes as acting MMC chairperson.
The MMC said it will wait for the decision on the risk assessment of the 12 LGUs in Metro which are still under the Moderate Risk Classification before any discussion on the downgrading of the alert status is discussed.
The IATF is yet to decide on the recommendation of the MMC.