Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro said on Tuesday, Feb. 23, that the city government will utilize a structural approach in its city-wide implementation of programs and policies that will usher in a “new normal” under Alert Level 1.

In an interview with ANC, Teodoro said this approach will focus on preparing the necessary infrastructure to support the city’s ongoing efforts to further curb the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic while creating a functional post-COVID system.

“The local health support system should be able to manage the situation at Alert Level 1. We need to improve compliance in the practice of the minimal public health standards in order to maintain low-risk classification. Secondly, we need to look into our health care capacity, whether we can manage in case there is another surge,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro underscored the need to implement post-recovery programs wherein the local government identifies the priorities in terms of health delivery and economic recovery.

Marikina has observed a gradual decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in the city, logging only 25 active cases on Tuesday, Feb. 22, and an overall 2.79 percent positivity rate.

The city is expecting around 800,000 to 900,000 people who will enter the city under the new downgraded alert level, including the transient population, or those working or studying in Marikina City.

Under Alert Level 1, Teodoro said it is imperative to make adjustments, whether through engineering or administrative initiatives, and continue implementing the minimum public health and safety standards.

Health declarations for individuals and businesses, as well as vaccination cards will remain necessary when entering establishments.

Engineering control mechanisms such as temperature checks and the deployment of health protocol officers in open spaces will continue, along with the wearing of masks.

To cater to the increasing number of people entering the city under the new alert level status, he said the markets will continue to have a “rest day” wherein a portion of the market will be closed for regular disinfection.

Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals will be free to enter public spaces and participate in public activities.

However, Teodoro said businesses and establishments are allowed to incentivize or accommodate only vaccinated individuals as per their company regulation.

The mayor stressed that individuals exercising an extra sense of caution and awareness is vital to a successful adjustment to the new normal.

“Ang importante ay ‘yung internal discipline, iyon ‘yung tinuturo namin dito sa Marikina. Hindi naman mahirap dito dahil we have a sense of community in Marikina. Meaning, people have ownership or stakeholding on this matter,” he said.