Stricter measures in Davao City under Alert Level 3

Stricter measures to stem the coronavirus transmission are expected after Davao City is placed under Alert Level 3 from January 14 to 30, 2022, based on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 156-C Series of 2022.

Alert Level 3 refers to areas wherein case counts are high and/or increasing, with total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate at increasing utilization.

Under Alert Level 3, reasonable restrictions may be imposed by the LGUs, which should not be stricter as those prescribed under higher alert levels and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective regional IATF.

Davao City Covid-19 Task Force Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser in an interview with the City Information Office said that the city government will implement restrictions on the mobility of the senior citizen, persons with comorbidity, and those below 18 years old and can only go out for “essential” purposes.

“Interzonal travel is okay but the LGU has the right to restrict, in our case during our Alert Level 3, nag restrict ta 18 below and people belonging to the vulnerable sector such as senior citizens, persons with co-morbidities so di ba dili nato sila ginapagawas kung dili essential ang activities, defining essential kadtong for health for food and other commodities (Interzonal travel is okay but the LGU has the right to restrict in our case during our Alert Level 3. We are restricting 18 and below and people belonging to the vulnerable sector such as senior citizens, persons with comorbidities from going out if not essential. Defining essential as those for health, for food, and other commodities),” Schlosser said.

She added that the LGUs will also set separate guidelines for the operational capacity of establishments apart from what is provided in the IATF. Establishments were earlier given a green light to increase additional capacity for indoor and outdoor and are entitled to an additional 20 percent capacity after the city hit the 100 percent target of vaccination for A2 and A3.

Schlosser recalled that one of the requirements of the IATF for establishments to increase operational capacity is a 100 percent vaccination for A-2 and A-3. They were allowed to a 50 percent operational capacity for indoor and 70 percent for outdoor.

This is a reiteration of the announcement of Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) on January 13 that social events and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), restaurants & cafes, and tourist attractions shall have the capacity of 50 percent indoors (following social distancing) and 70 percent outdoors.

However, all establishments are required to continue following the Minimum Public Health Standards and exercise discretion when taking unvaccinated persons in places where people gather especially indoors.

For Special Events and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), establishments are advised to get Acknowledgement Form or Special Mayors Permit. (See guidelines posted in the Davao City Tourism FB page)

CTOO reiterated that activities still not allowed are Live Performances, Karaoke/Videoke Bars, Venues for Live Entertainment, Kid Amusement Places, Casinos, Cockfighting, Horse-racing, Pageants, Cultural/Fashion Shows, Tournaments, Political Gatherings, etc. More information can be accessed thru: https://pcoo.gov.ph/…/12/20211214-IATF-GUIDELINES-RRD.pdf

Source of these guidelines can be accessed thru: Guidelines On The Implementation Of Alert Levels System For Covid-19 Response In Pilot Areas (As Of Dec 31, 2021)

The office appealed for cooperation in having your Safe Davao QRs scanned when entering/exiting establishments.

TRAVEL OF UNVAXXED PERSONS

Meanwhile, the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) also announced that the city will only accept vaccinated persons traveling through the land, sea, and air into and out of the National Capital Region (NCR).

In its official Facebook Page on January 13, CTOO announced that this complies with the Department of Transportation Order 2022-001, “Limiting Public Transportation Access to Vaccinated Population In the National Capital Region Under Alert Level 3 or Higher.”

“With this, public transportation by air, land, and sea will be allowing only fully vaccinated persons into and out of NCR. Proof of vaccination will have to be presented upon buying tickets or checking in. We are waiting for advice for the implementation of the same DO (Department Order),” the statement read.

CTOO also reminded that Davao City has no Restrictions/no requirements for travelers by Air, Land, and Sea but will defer to IATF and its attached agencies’ guidelines and protocols.

More information will be posted on Davao City Tourism Facebook page for updates regarding travel and event guidelines.CIO