Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday, March 1 once again urged Filipinos to be more vigilant and to continue strictly adhering to the health and safety protocols as the National Capital Region (NCR) and 38 other areas in the country are set to deescalate to COVID-19 Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15.

“Regardless of the downgraded alert level, everyone should stay watchful as we continue to fight COVID-19. It's critical to realize that the health guidelines will only function if everyone follows the rules and cooperates,” Go, chairman of the Senate Health and Demography committee, said.

“Huwag tayong makumpiyansa (Let us not be confident). Huwag nating sayangin ang magandang takbo ng ating pandemic response at vaccine rollout (Let us not waste our good pandemic response and vaccine rollout). Mas palakasin pa natin ang pagbabakuna lalo na ng booster shots para hindi na tumaas muli ang kaso ng nagkakasakit (Let us further intensify our vaccination especially the booster shots to prevent another surge of cases of those getting sick),” he added.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), on February 27, approved the amended guidelines on the nationwide implementation of the downgraded risk classification, which still include the wearing of well-fitted face masks and the presentation of proof of full vaccination by individuals 18 years old and above before participating in mass gatherings or entry in indoor establishments.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel in the country will be allowed, regardless of commorbidities or age. All private offices and workplaces, including public and private construction sites, may operate at 100 percent capacity, consistent with national issuances on vaccination requirements for on-site work. Public transportation shall likewise be at full seating capacity.

Meanwhile, face-to-face classes for primary education shall be subject to prior approval of the Office of the President.

The Department of Health (DOH) has stated that Alert Level 1 may be the “new normal."

The senator from Davao then renewed his appeal to eligible Filipinos to get inoculated as soon as possible. He also urged those qualified to get their booster shots for added protection against the virus.

“Libre naman po ang bakuna mula sa gobyerno. Paraan din ito upang maprotektahan ang inyong mga pamilya at mga komunidad (The vaccine is given free by the government. This is also a way to protect your families and the communities),” he added.

Go also requested the authorities to ensure that health protocols will be followed in order to safeguard Filipinos. He then reminded the public to maintain discipline as the country adjusts to the new normal.

He also thanked and lauded frontliners and all essential workers anew for their compassion and sacrifices for their fellow Filipinos throughout the pandemic, which enabled the country to progressively ease restrictions and transition to the new normal.