The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved the request of Mayor Jerry Treñas to place Iloilo City under the lowest COVID-19 alert level.

Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said on Thursday night, March 10, the city met the criteria for deescalation from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1.

“This shall take effect immediately and until March 15,” he added.

According to Treñas, all offices, business establishments, and churches in the city can now operate operate at full capacity.

“Public utility jepneeys (PUJs) restaurants may take down the plastic or acrylic barriers. Malls may allow children to enter without any requirement,” he added.

The mayor also scrapped the S-PaSS permit to travel to the city.

Despite a relaxed alert level, Treñas stressed that minimum public health standards, such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing, will remain mandatory.

“Our compliance officers will make sure face masks are used by our constituents. Let’s all make sure our economy is revived while health protocols are observed,” he said.IMT