Ex-NTF adviser supports Alert Level 1 shift in Metro Manila
Health advocate and former National Task Force (NTF) against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) special adviser Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon expressed his support for the implementation of Alert Level 1 status in Metro Manila beginning March 1, 2022. However, he reiterated that medical safeguards should still be in place.
“Why the shift to Alert Level 1? The health indicators are achieved low risk cases, positivity rate of less than five percent in Metro Manila, low healthcare utilization (HCUR) at less than 30 percent,” said Leachon in a Facebook post on Sunday, Feb. 27.
As of Feb. 25, the OCTA Research group reported that Metro Manila is under a low risk classification with a positivity rate of four percent.
Meanwhile, Leachon also stated that he supported the Alert Level 1 shift in the National Capital Region (NCR) considering that its vaccination rate is “high,” adding that booster programs and pedia vaccinations are still ongoing.
He likewise noted that based on reports, the Omicron, which is the dominant variant of COVID-19 in the Philippines, is “highly transmissible but manageable.”
However, despite the “improved” COVID-19 indicators and decreasing infections, the health expert reiterated that medical safeguards should still be implemented.
“We just need medical safeguards in place. Minimum public health standards with the preparedness to tighter alert levels or granular lockdowns. We need to address mobility due to campaign sorties,” he added.
The country’s pandemic task force placed Metro Manila under an Alert Level 1 status from March 1 until March 15, 2022.