All public and private establishments as well as public utility vehicles (PUV) will now be allowed to operate at full capacity in areas under Alert Level 1.
In a statement issued last Sunday, Acting Presidential spokesperson Karlo B. Nograles disclosed the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) removed the operational restrictions in the said areas.
However, he noted workers, who will still be performing onsite duties will still be “required” to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
“They (establishments) may continue to provide flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk,” Nograles said.
The IATF also removed the requirement for the use of health declaration forms and setting up of isolation facilities within the workplace for establishments in Alert Level 1 areas.
PUV policies
The concurrent Cabinet Secretary also noted other minimum health standards like wearing of face mask will still be required in Alert Level 1 whether outdoors or in indoor private or public establishments, including in public transportation by land, air or sea, except when eating and drinking, participating in team and individual sports in venues where ventilation standards can be maintained, and practicing outdoor sports/exercise activities where physical distance can be maintained.
In case a PUV will travel between an area with a higher alert level classification and an area under Alert Level 1, the passenger capacity shall be that which has the lower passenger capacity rate between the point of origin and point of destination.
The use of acrylic and/or plastic dividers will no longer be required for PUVs as well as the Safe, Swift and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) for all vehicles traveling in Alert Level 1 areas will no longer be required.
Proof vaccination
Despite the easing of restriction in Alert Level 1 areas, individuals 18 years old and above will be required to present proof of full vaccination before participating in-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment and funerals for those who died of causes other than Covid-19 and for the remains of the Covid-19 deceased.
“Proof of full vaccination shall be required before entry in the list of establishments identified under the principles of 3C’s (Confined spaces with poor ventilation; crowded places with no physical distancing; and close-contact settings) with face to face interaction, strategy against Covid-19. Children ages 17 and below shall not be required to present proof of vaccination status,” Nograles said.
The requirement will also be imposed for all indoor dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants and eateries. For outdoor or al fresco dining and take out channels, no proof of full vaccination is required; all indoor personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas, and those offering aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, salons, spas, reflexology and other similar procedures including home service options; and Fitness studios, gyms and venues for exercise and sports.
A similar policy will be imposed for those, who will go in indoor cinemas or movie houses operating at full capacity; Meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibition events and permitted venues for social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers ; Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls and theaters; Indoor ancillary establishments in hotels and other accommodation establishments; and Venues for election-related events.