The Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered all its commanders in the National Capital Region (NCR) to prepare for the possible downgrading of the COVID Alert to Level 1 status after Metro Manila mayors recommended for the downgrading of the alert status starting March 1.
Currently, Metro Manila is under Alert Level 2 and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) is set to act on the recommendation on Thursday, Feb 24.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the preparations include police visibility to ensure that the health safety protocols are still being followed amid the expected increase of people going in and out of Metro Manila.
“The most lenient Alert Level 1 will open prospects for more economic activities by lifting some restrictions on venue capacities, but the minimum public health standard is still in effect,” said Carlos.
He said that the downgrading of the alert status, if approved, will serve as a reminder to the public of the gradual shift to the new normal set-up.
Under Alert Level 1, there will be no age restriction for those who will move around in public places including interzonal travels, but subject to LGU (local government unit) rules.
All establishments and government offices can fully operate while religious gathering and other form of outdoor activities will be allowed.
“We have observed major improvements in our efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus as reflected in the decreased number of cases and hospital utilization rate with increased vaccination coverage. The situation is better now because of the discipline that the public is showing. We expect to observe the same attitude even if the health protocol will be relaxed,” Carlos said.
"With more people outside, the need for more intensified police visibility is imperative. Thus, the public can expect that police personnel will continue to monitor the flow of people to remind them of the health protocol," he added.