Alert levels that will be imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic are not subject to appeals as these are given based on metrics, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Friday.
“Kailangan po natin maintindihan unang-una, these alert levels are determined by the Department of Health. Hindi po ito subject to discussions or debate. This is not even subject to appeals,” Vergeire said in a media forum.
(First of all, we need to understand that the alert levels are determined by the DOH. These are not subject to discussion or debate. This is not subject to appeals.)
“The alert levels are classification that we do base on metrics, scientific metrics na meron tayo,” she added.
(Alert levels are classifications based on metrics, scientific metrics that we have.)
Vergeire issued the remark amid the concerns of healthcare workers that the downgrading of the Alert Level 4 in the National Capital Region (NCR) was “done too early.”
NCR, where the alert level system is being pilot tested, will be placed under Alert Level 3 from October 16 to October 31 unless extended.
(READ: How the new COVID-19 alert levels and granular lockdowns work)
In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Friday, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said the government has identified local government units outside NCR that will be under the alert level system.
“Pasisimulan na rin po ito. May na-identify na rin po kami na mga local na gobyerno sa labas ng NCR na pasisimulan na rin yung alert level system,” he said without elaborating.
(It will be started. We have identified local governments outside NCR where the alert level system will be started.)
Vergeire said the alert level in the NCR was lowered because metrics in NCR already “warranted the deescalation.”
“Kaya po sila napunta sa Alert Level 3 because their metrics warranted already deescalation. Dahil ‘yung kanila pong HCUR, ‘yung kanilang bed utilization is at moderate risk already,” she said.
According to the Vergeire, total bed utilization in NCR was at around 50% while ICU utilization rate was recorded at 65%.
“And then when you look at their case trends, ang kanilang two-week growth rate ay negative. Ang kanilang average daily attack rate ay bumaba na rin po and they are at moderate risk kaya po sila ay na-classify na for this alert level,” she said.
“What we discuss in IATF are the interventions or actions that are related or are needed for this specific alert level. So ngayon pong bumaba na sa Alert Level 3 ang NCR, ibig sabihin po ‘yung risk classification nila moderate na,” Vergeire added.
Independent monitoring group OCTA Research recently announced that all cities in NCR are now at moderate risk for COVID-19.
Vergeire urged the public to follow minimum health protocols to prevent the spread of the illness. —KBK, GMA News
0 Comments