ILOILO – Even when the province’s pandemic alert status drops to Level 1 – hopefully soon – it is still okay to continue wearing facemask, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
“In the new normal, facemask may no longer be mandatory. But nobody is prohibiting us from wearing it to protect ourselves,” he said.
Iloilo province is currently under Alert Level 3.
Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic started in 2020, wearing facemasks is recommended as part of personal protective equipment and as a public health measure to prevent the spread of the disease.
Defensor also said there is nothing wrong with continuing disinfection and physical distancing.
The Provincial Health Office reported as of Feb. 16 that Iloilo had 6,989 active COVID-19 cases; 35,478 cases that recovered; and 1,182 cases that died.
“Ano ang malain bi kon pirme ko naga-disinfect kag panghugas? Waay gid rason kon ngaa indi naton pagpadayun ang mga practices nga ini kon maayo man lang sa aton,” said Defensor.
The governor also said he won’t appeal Iloilo’s Alert Level 3 classification that took effect on Feb. 16 and will last until Feb. 28.
Defensor Jr. said the classification suits the current condition of the province, adding there is not much significant difference between Alert Levels 2 and 3.
“The alert level system is about the management of high-risk activities and establishments. For Level 2, the rule is 50-70. High-risk establishments, indoor 50 (percent of their capacity), all should be fully vaccinated,” he said.
For Alert Level 3, the rule is 30-50, which means the allowed indoor capacity is 30 percent and 50 percent for outdoor.
What is important, Defensor said, is that business establishments are open and the minimum public health standards (MPHS) are observed.
On Feb. 16, the governor signed Executive Order No. 40-B that extended the Alert Level 3 classification of the province until Feb. 28.
The important provision was the lifting of the swab requirement for fully-vaccinated inbound travelers coming from outside of Western Visayas.
Those who are not inoculated or not fully vaccinated, however, are still required to submit their negative swab result taken 72 hours before travel.
Children below five years old are exempted from the swab requirement. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
