Commercial establishments now allowed to operate 100% capacity

THE NATIONAL government has finally allowed 100% or full capacity of commercial establishments and public activities in all areas in the country under Alert Level 1 status.

This came after the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) amended the “Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level Systems for Covid-19” in an effort to further identify the establishments and activities which are allowed to operate, or be undertaken in Alert Level 1.

“Having said this, IATF allowed full 100% capacity under Alert Level 1, subject to presentation of proof of full vaccination before participating in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments,” the government said.

Last March, Presidential Adviser for Covid-19 Response, Vivencio Dizon, said the government is aggressively working to widen vaccination coverage in many provinces and cities to ease quarantine restrictions and help revive the national economy.

He said the government is trying to push all the other provinces and cities to really achieve these levels of vaccinations so that they can also deescalate to Alert Level 1 at the soonest possible time so they can all help the economy move forward.

Such downgrade is timely, Dizon said, adding it will aid the country weather the current crisis particularly with the continuous increases in fuel prices as a result of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Department of Health also rolled out a fourth dose or the second booster of Covid-19 vaccine, but this is initially available for senior citizens (Priority Group A2) and frontline health workers (Priority Group A1). It said the second booster shot is primarily mRNA vaccines such as those manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer which will strengthen immunity against the virus, including the latest Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1.

Following the earlier grant of an Emergency Use Authorization by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration and recommendation by the Health Technology Assessment Council, the DOH released Interim Operational Guidelines on the Administration of the second booster shot for senior citizens and frontline healthcare workers ages 18 years old and above.

“This is the moment we have all been waiting for. After careful study and consideration of the best available evidence, we shall now roll out effective immediately the second booster for our frontline health workers and senior citizens. This is part of how we fight back against the virus,” said DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje.

The DOH guidelines said the following are under Priority Group A1: Workers in essential health services and all people 60 years old and above; Priority Group A2: Senior Citizens. The vaccines are to be given at least four months after the administration of the first booster dose.

“The second booster for our health workers and senior citizens will enhance protection given by the first booster and the primary series against all variants, including the recent Omicron subvariant BA.2.12.1. Against whatever variant there is out there, the second booster fortifies the defense of health workers and highly vulnerable seniors. Everyone eligible can get the second booster jab done at the local government vaccination sites nearest you. They are safe, effective, and free of charge,” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. (Mindanao Examiner, Zamboanga Post)