Kalinga now at ‘new normal’, no more plastic dividers and easing of restrictions expected

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Province of Kalinga is among the 39 areas declared by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to be placed under Alert Level 1, from March 1 to 15, 2022.

With this, it is expected that restrictions will be eased and that businesses can again operate at full capacity provided they follow protocols.

The new COVID-19 alert level classification was announced by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

Alert Level 1, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, is the ‘new normal’ in the country.

With only 11 active COVID-19 cases in the province, there will be no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor capacities.

Also, intrazonal and interzonal travel will be allowed regardless of age and comorbidities.

Meanwhile, face-to-face classes for primary education shall be subject to prior approval of the Office of the President.

Public transportation

Public transport for areas under Alert Level 1 is permitted to have a full seating capacity. The plastic dividers and the Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) application are not required for interzonal travel.

Establishments and activities

All private offices and workplaces, including public and private construction sites, may operate at full 100 percent capacity, consistent with national issuances on vaccination requirements for on-site work. However, they may continue to provide flexible and alternative work arrangements as deemed appropriate based on function or individual risk.

Venues for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibition (MICE) 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 must require proof of full vaccination before entry.

Full vaccination proof is likewise required for establishments such as indoor dine-in outlets, hotels, and other accommodation businesses, barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, nail spas, those who are offering other aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures including home services, fitness studios, gyms, and other venues for exercise and sports.

Venues of election-related events must also require all its attendees to show proof of full vaccination.

Proof of full vaccination is not required on establishments offering outdoor or al-fresco dining.

Still not time for the public to put their guard down

The Provincial Health Office reiterated the provincial government’s call for the public not to put their guard down, but must remain to stay vigilant as the virus is still lurking in the community and could still infect unprotected victims.

The office said that the minimum public health protocols remain to be the best defense against COVID-19 thus, must be consistently practiced.

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