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IATF Guidelines on PH COVID19 Alert Levels System

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Back in September 3, 2021 the IATF Resolution No. 136-A (s.2021) included in its provisions the shift in the policy of classifying Provinces, Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs), and Independent Component Cities (ICCs) for purposes of community quarantine.

This new classification framework focuses on the following:

  • imposition of granular lockdown measures
  • community quarantine shall be reduced to either ECQ or General Community Quarantine (GCQ)
  • GCQ shall have an alert-level system (Alert Level 1 to 4) with each alert level limiting restrictions only to identified high-risk activities.

The pilot area for this policy shift shall be the National Capital Region (NCR) starting from 16 September 2021, or the date of implementation, whichever comes first.

Alert Levels

Alert Level 1 – refers to areas wherein case transmission is low and decreasing, total bed utilization rate, and intensive care unit utilization rate is low.

Alert Level 2 – refers to areas wherein case transmission is low and decreasing, healthcare utilization is low, or case counts are low but increasing, or case counts are low and decreasing but total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate is increasing.

Alert Level 3 – refers to areas wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at increasing utilization.

Alert Level 4 – refers to areas wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at high utilization.

Alert Level 5 – refers to areas wherein case counts are alarming, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at critical utilization.

Alert Level 5 Guidelines

Areas placed under Alert Level 5 shall observe the guidelines applicable to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) as provided for under the IATF Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of Community Quarantine in the Philippines, as amended.

Alert Level 4 Guidelines

  1. The following persons shall not be allowed outside of their respective residences:
    1. (i) persons below eighteen (18) years old,
    2. (ii) those who are over sixty-five years (65) of age,
    3. (iii) those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, or other health risks, and
    4. (iv) pregnant women; provided, that they shall be allowed access to obtain essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices.
  2. Intrazonal and interzonal travel for persons not otherwise required to remain at their residences in the preceding paragraph may be allowed subject to the reasonable regulations of the LGU of destination.
  3. Individual outdoor exercises shall be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status but shall be limited within the general area of their residence, e.g. within the barangay, purok, subdivision, and/or village. Provided, that the minimum public health standards and precautions such as the wearing of face masks, and the maintenance of social distancing protocols are observed.
  4. The following establishments and/or activities characterized as high-risk for transmission shall not be allowed to operate, or be undertaken in areas classified under Alert level 4:
  1. Indoor visitor or tourist attractions, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and cultural shows and exhibits;
  2. Indoor venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, events (MICE);
  3. Indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, and venues with liveperformers such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters;
  4. Outdoor and indoor amusement parks or theme parks, funfairs/peryas, kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddierides;
  5. Indoor recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls,amusement arcades, bowling alleys, and similar venues;
  6. Indoor limited face to face or in-person classes, examinations, and other education-related activities at all levels, except those previously approvedby the IATF and/or of the Office of the President;
  7. Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery andbetting shops, and other gaming establishments except as may beauthorized by the IATF or the Office of the President;
  8. Social events such as but not limited to concerts and parties, weddingreceptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers, parades, processions, motorcades, and gatherings at residences with any person outside of one’s immediate household;
  9. Indoor sports courts or venues, fitness studios, gyms, spas or other indoor leisure centers or facilities, and swimming pools;
  10. All contact sports, except those conducted under a bubble-type setup as provided for under relevant guidelines adopted by the IATF, and approved by the LGU where such games shall be held;
  11. Personal care services, which include medical aesthetic clinics, cosmetic or derma clinics, make-up salons, reflexology, aesthetics, wellness, and holistic centers, and other similar establishments; acupuncture and electrocautery establishments, and massage therapy including sports therapy establishments. It also includes establishments providing tanning services, body piercings, tattooing, and similar services. Home service for these activities are likewise not permitted; and
  12. Specialized markets of the Department of Tourism such as Staycations.
  1. Outdoor or al fresco dine-in services in restaurants and eateries shall be allowed at a maximum of thirty percent (30%) venue/seating capacity regardless of vaccination status. Indoor dine-in services may be allowed at a limited ten (10%) venue/seating capacity but will cater only to individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in addition to their allowed outdoor or al fresco capacity. Provided, that all workers/employees of these establishments have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Provided further, that LGUs where these restaurants and eateries are located may decrease the allowable venue capacity. Provided further still, that the joint guidelines of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Tourism promoting MPHS in these establishments i.e., placing of acrylic or similar dividers, regular disinfection, and appropriate seating configuration ensuring social distancing, shall be strictly enforced and observed. The DTI and DOT are directed to issue guidelines promoting safe behaviors in these settings.
  1. Personal care services limited to barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons shall be allowed at a maximum of thirty percent (30%) venue/seating capacity if such services are conducted outdoors regardless of vaccination status. These establishments are allowed to operate at a limited ten percent (10%) indoor venue/seating capacity but may only cater to individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in addition to their allowed outdoor capacities. Provided, that patrons/clients and service providers wear face masks at all times. Provided further, that all workers/employees of these establishments are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Provided further still, that MPHS shall be strictly maintained. Provided further still, that there is no objection from the LGU where these activities may take place.
  1. In-person religious gatherings shall be allowed at a maximum of thirty percent (30%) venue/seating capacity if conducted outdoors regardless of vaccination status. These gatherings may be allowed at a limited ten (10%) venue/seating capacity but may accommodate only individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in addition to their allowed outdoor capacities. Provided, that pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, or other religious ministers and the assistants of these religious congregations have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Provided further, that the religious denominations should strictly observe their submitted protocols and the MPHS. Provided further still, that there is no objection from the LGU where these activities may take place. Outdoor religious gatherings shall be limited to the conduct of religious worship and/or service. Processions and other similar mobile religious gatherings shall not be allowed.
  1. Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 shall be allowed, provided that the same shall be limited to immediate family members, upon satisfactory proof of their relationship with the deceased and with full compliance with the prescribed minimum public health standards.
  1. Except those located in areas covered by granular lockdowns, all other establishments, or activities not otherwise specified in Section 3(4) may be allowed to operate or be undertaken at 100% on-site or venue/seating capacity, provided they implement the minimum public health standards. However, they are encouraged to operate with a minimal on-site capacity necessary to implement full operations, while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements. For this purpose, the movement of workers of said establishments residing in areas not covered by granular lockdowns shall remain unrestricted.
  1. Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall remain to be fully operational and shall adhere to at least 20% on-site capacity while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements.

Alert Level 3 Guidelines

  1. Movement of persons shall be allowed except for reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by the LGUs, which should not be stricter as those prescribed under Alert Level 4 and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective RIATF. Provided, that they shall be allowed access to obtain essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices.
  2. Intrazonal and interzonal travel for persons not otherwise required to remain at their residences in the preceding paragraph may be allowed subject to the reasonable regulations of the LGU of destination.
  3. Individual outdoor exercises shall be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status.
  4. Except for those located in areas under granular lockdowns, the following establishments, or activities, shall be allowed to operate, or be undertaken at a maximum of 30% on-site or venue/seating capacity. Business establishments listed hereunder that are awarded Safety Seal Certifications shall be allowed to operate at an additional ten (10) percentage points beyond the prescribed on-site or venue/seating capacity, whichever is applicable.
    1. Indoor visitor or tourist attractions, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and cultural shows and exhibits;
    2. Indoor venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, events (MICE);
    3. Indoor recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls,amusement arcades, bowling alleys, and similar venues,
    4. Indoor face to face or in-person examinations approved by the IATF;
    5. Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery andbetting shops, and other gaming establishments;
    6. In-person religious gatherings;
    7. Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals forthose who died of causes other than COVID-19;
    8. Social events such as but not limited to concerts and parties, weddingreceptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers, motorcades, and gatherings at residences with any person outside of one’s immediate household;
    9. Indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as commissaries, restaurants, and eateries;
    10. Indoor sports courts or venues, fitness studios, gyms, spas or other indoor leisure centers or facilities, and swimming pools;
    11. Personal care services which include beauty salons, beauty parlors, medical aesthetic clinics, cosmetic or derma clinics, make-up salons, nail spas, reflexology, aesthetics, wellness, and holistic centers, and other similar establishments; acupuncture and electrocautery establishments, and massage therapy including sports therapy establishments. It also includes establishments providing tanning services, body piercings, tattooing, and similar services.
  5. The operations of (i) indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas, and venues with live performers such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters, and (ii) outdoor and indoor amusement parks or theme parks, funfairs/peryas, kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides shall remain to be prohibited.
  6. All other establishments, or activities in areas not covered by granular lockdowns and which are not otherwise specified in Section 4(4), may be allowed to operate or be undertaken at 100% on-site or venue/seating capacity, as the case may be, provided they implement minimum public health standards. As such, the movement of persons residing in areas not covered by granular lockdowns working in allowed establishments/activities remains unrestricted. However, they are encouraged to operate with a minimal on-site capacity necessary to implement full operations, while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements. For this purpose, the movement of workers of said establishments residing in areas not covered by granular lockdowns shall remain unrestricted.
  7. Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall remain to be fully operational and shall adhere to at least 30% on-site capacity while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements.

Alert Level 2 Guidelines

  1. Movement of persons shall be allowed except for reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities, as may be determined by the LGUs, which should not be stricter as those prescribed under Alert Level 4 and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective RIATF. Provided, that they shall be allowed access to obtain essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices.
  2. Intrazonal and interzonal travel for persons not otherwise required to remain at their residences in the preceding paragraph may be allowed subject to the reasonable regulations of the LGU of destination.
  3. Individual outdoor exercises shall be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status.
  4. Except those located in areas under granular lockdowns, the following establishments, persons, or activities shall be allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at a maximum of 50% on-site or venue/seating capacity. Business establishments listed hereunder awarded with Safety Seal Certifications shall be allowed to operate at an additional ten (10) percentage points beyond the prescribed on-site or venue/seating capacity, whichever is applicable:
    1. Indoor visitor or tourist attractions, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and cultural shows and exhibits;
    2. Indoor venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, events (MICE);
    3. Indoor entertainment venues with live performers such as karaoke bars,bars, clubs, concert halls, theaters, and cinemas;
    4. Amusement parks or theme parks, funfairs/peryas, kid amusementindustries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides;
    5. Indoor recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls,amusement arcades, bowling alleys, and similar venues;
    6. Indoor limited face to face or in-person classes, examinations, and othereducation-related activities at all levels;
    7. Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery andbetting shops, and other gaming establishments;
    8. In-person religious gatherings;
    9. Gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals forthose who died of causes other than COVID-19;
    10. Social events such as but not limited to concerts and parties, weddingreceptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers, and gatherings at residences with any person outside of one’s immediate household;
    11. Indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as commissaries, restaurants, and eateries;
    12. Indoor sports courts or venues, fitness studios, gyms, spas or other indoor leisure centers or facilities, and swimming pools;
    13. Personal care services which include beauty salons, beauty parlors, medical aesthetic clinics, cosmetic or derma clinics, make-up salons, nail spas, reflexology, aesthetics, wellness, and holistic centers, and other similar establishments; acupuncture and electrocautery establishments, and massage therapy including sports therapy establishments. It also includes establishments providing tanning services, body piercings, tattooing, and similar services.
  1. All other establishments, persons, or activities in areas not covered by granular lockdowns and which are not otherwise specified in Section 5(4) may operate at 100% on-site or venue/seating capacity, as the case may be, provided they implement minimum public health standards. As such, the movement of persons residing in areas not covered by granular lockdowns working in allowed establishments/activities remains unrestricted. However, they are encouraged to operate with a minimal on-site capacity necessary to implement full operations, while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements. For this purpose, the movement of workers of said establishments residing in areas not covered by granular lockdowns shall remain unrestricted.
  2. Agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall remain to be fully operational and shall adhere to at least 50% on-site capacity while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements.

Alert Level 1 Guidelines

  1. Movement of persons shall be allowed except for reasonable restrictions on activities and spaces that are closed, crowded, or enable close contact, as may be identified by the LGUs subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective Regional IATF.
  2. Except for those located in areas under granular lockdowns, all establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards.

To read the full and original IATF Resolution please click here.

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