The possibility of escalation of the alert level is dependent on the metrics of the Alert Level System under the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Guidelines, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Monday, June 13.
The clarification of the health department came after DOH spokesperson Usec. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire said there is a possibility that the alert level of the National Capital Region (NCR) may be raised to Alert Level 2 should Covid-19 cases continue to go up.
“The DOH is continuously monitoring all these metrics. As long as the admissions and severity of cases in the hospitals do not affect our healthcare utilization rate, Alert Level 1 is still in effect,” the DOH said in a statement.
According to the health department, the public must be mindful that continuing increases in the cases might lead to escalation of the alert level.
“Together, we can continue to stay at Alert Level 1 by continuing to wear the B-est fitted mask, I-solate when sick, D-ouble up protection through vaccination and boosters, and ensure good A-irflow.”
The public was also urged by the DOH to get inoculated against Covid-19.
Noting that immunity from vaccines wanes down over time, the health department called on the public to get booster jabs.
Currently, Vergeire said 13 out of the 17 NCR areas have been observed with an uptick in Covid-19 cases.
She said the slight rise in cases could be attributed to the public’s mobility, the entry of more transmissible Covid-19 sub-variants (BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.12.1), and the waning immunity due to low booster update.
The DOH monitored a positive two-week growth rate from 14 out of 17 cities and municipality in the NCR last week.