A welcome decision
DON’T look now, but people in the heavily-populated Metropolitan Manila (MM) area, the nation’s premier region, and 38 places are now on the way to normalcy.
Starting today, March 1, until March 15, the National Capital Region (NCR) and 38 cities and provinces will be under “Alert Level 1,” according to the government.
Aside from MM, others placed under “Alert Level 1” are Abra, Apayao, Baguio, Kalinga, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, Santiago City, Isabela, Quirino, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga and Tarlac.
Others are Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Puerto Princesa, Romblon, Naga City, Catanduanes, Aklan, Bacolod City,Capiz, Guimaras, Siquijor, Biliran, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin and Davao City.
Areas not on the said list will remain under “Alert Level 2,” according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who is also the acting presidential spokesperson.
Various quarters, including ordinary citizens, welcomed the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
Admittedly, the IATF decision is seen to speed up the shift to the “new normal” after close to two years of paralyzing lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the decicsion, private firms in areas under “Alert Level 1” may operate at 100 percent capacity, while public utility vehicles (PUVs) shall be at full seating capacity.
But people in areas under the more relaxed “Alert Level 1” are still mandated to observe safety and health protocols to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus.
These protocols include the wearing of masks, regular washing of hands and observance of physical distancing.
Despite easing the restrictions in these areas, the government is seen to intensify its nationwide vaccination program as part of its efforts to achieve herd immunity.
Indeed, vaccination is the key to eradicating highly-infectious diseases, such as the COVID-19, that continue to claim the lives of people not only in the country but elsewhere.
