Alert Level 2 in Cebu

CEBU CITY – More commercial establishments are expected to re-open with workers getting back on their job as Central Visayas region, including Cebu province, has been placed under Alert Level 2 status until end of the month as the number of active Covid-19 cases continue to decline.

Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas chief pathologist, welcomed the lowering of alert level status in the region, as well as Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. “More businesses (will) open and the allowed number of persons will be higher, which means livelihood slowly can be restored,” Loreche said.

Under Alert Level 2 status, the intrazonal and interzonal movements are allowed. However, the local governments are directed to impose reasonable restrictions, but should not be stricter than those prescribed under higher alert levels and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective regional Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Establishments are also allowed to operate at a maximum of 50% capacity for indoor venues for fully vaccinated customers and 70% for outdoor dining, but this requires that all on-site workers or organizers of activities are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 while the minimum public health standards are strictly maintained.

Loreche said this latest development in the fight against Covid-19 and its variants “really showcased our capabilities to be living with the virus.”

“Let’s make it to Alert Level 1 after this. It’s the coordinated involvement and response of everyone. And, this after (Typhoon) Odette (Rai) and the Omicron (variant) surge, One-Cebu can now move onwards to preparing for endemic (status), rebuilding and reintegration,” she said. (John Rey Saavedra)