Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi lauded the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to place the National Capital Region (NCR) under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15.

According to Fresnedi, NCR under Alert Level 1 will be good for the economy which has suffered for two years due to lockdowns and restrictions.

“NCR is qualified based on the criteria of IATF plus other areas declared to be under Alert Level 1. This is based on science and, at the same time, to help our economy which suffered for two years because of the lockdown,” said Fresnedi.

As of Feb. 27, Muntinlupa only has 59 active coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases including 14 new cases. The daily active cases have been in the 50s range since Feb. 21.

During the flag raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall quadrangle on Monday, Feb. 28, Fresnedi said under Alert Level 1, all transportation and office capacities will now be 100 percent.

But he reminded the public of the importance of wearing face masks under Alert Level 1.

Fresnedi said the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit will continue to monitor the active COVID-19 cases in Muntinlupa.

Under IATF’s updated guidelines on the nationwide implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 response as of Feb. 27, 2022, the following are the rules under Alert Level 1:

I. PREVENT

A. All health facilities shall implement the necessary and appropriate engineering and administrative controls, and use appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with the latest Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines for health facilities.

B. All public and private establishments, organizers of events, and local governments shall implement the following protocols:

1. Administrative controls.

a. All private offices and workplaces, including public and private construction sites, may operate at full 100 percent capacity (consistent with national issuances on vaccination requirements for on-site work). However, they may continue to provide flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk.

b. Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall adhere to 100 percent on-site workforce. Off-site work shall be under such work arrangements subject to relevant rules and regulations issued by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the President.

c. Public transportation in areas under Alert Level 1 shall be at full seating capacity. For intrazonal and interzonal travels involving public land transportation between an area with a higher alert level classification and an area under Alert Level 1, the passenger capacity shall be that which has the lower passenger capacity rate between the point of origin and point of destination. For aviation, maritime and rail public transport operating in and out of Alert Levels 1 areas, the passenger capacity will be at 100 percent. The use of acrylic and/or plastic dividers shall not be required. The use of the Safe, Swift and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) travel management system shall likewise not be required for interzonal travel to areas under Alert Level 1.

d. Designate a Safety and Health Officer/s who shall ensure, monitor, and evaluate proper implementation and strict observance of the minimum public health standards.

e. Prepare a contingency plan for the establishment which shall include coordination with the local government and health care provider networks, management of staff and visitors with COVID-19 symptoms, processes for establishment lockdown and disinfection, and alternative processes in case of escalation of Alert Level status.

f. Regularly disinfect high-risk areas such as but not limited to areas for gatherings, highly touched surfaces, and frequently visited areas such as entrance and exit points, restrooms, hallways, elevators using Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved disinfectants.

g. National government agencies and local government units endeavor to include health and safety in routine assessments to be conducted regularly.

According to the IATF, "At all times, well-fitted masks shall be worn properly, whether outdoors or in indoor private or public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air, or sea, except for the following instances: Eating and drinking; Participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained; Practicing outdoor sports/exercise activities where physical distance can be maintained."