The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved the amendments to the guidelines on the implementation of Covid-19 Alert Level 1, Malacañang announced.
In a virtual Palace briefing on Friday, March 25, Communications Undersecretary Kris Ablan said the IATF issued Resolution No. 165 amending Resolutions No. 163 and 164, which provides the criteria for the de-escalation of provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUCs), and independent component cities (ICCs) to Alert Level 1.
"Sinama ang municipalities sa maaaring ma-de-escalate sa Alert Level 1 (Municipalities are now included in areas that could ease to Alert Level 1)," Ablan said.
"Kaugnay nito, idinagdag ang low-risk total bed utilization rate ng mga probinsiya o rehiyon bilang criterion sa component cities at sa mga municipalities (With this, the low-risk total bed utilization rate of the provinces or regions was added as a criterion in the component cities and the municipalities)," he added.
Also among the criteria for de-escalation is a total bed utilization rate of less than 50 percent. For municipalities, this means a low-risk total bed utilization rate of their province and/or region.
Other criteria include full vaccination of 70 percent of its target population (denominator is 80 percent of its total population) and full vaccination of 70 percent of its Priority Group A2 (Senior Citizens) target population (denominator is 85 percent of A2 population).
Metro Manila is currently under the least restrictive Alert Level 1 and 47 other areas across the country until March 31.
Under Alert Level 1, there are no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor capacities. Everyone can undertake intrazonal and interzonal travel without regard to age and even comorbidities.
All establishments, persons, or activities are likewise allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at total on-site or venue seating capacity, provided these are consistent with minimum public health standards.
The IATF also earlier allowed colleges and universities in areas under Alert Level 1 to hold face-to-face classes with 100 percent of the classrooms' capacity but will only allow fully vaccinated teachers, non-teaching personnel, and students.