IATF-EID Resolution No. 150, s. 2021

November 25, 2021

IATF-EID RESOLUTION NO. 150, S. 2021

WHEREAS, Section 15, Article II of the 1987 Constitution states that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them;

WHEREAS, Section 2 (b) of Executive Order No. 168 (s.2014) mandates the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to prevent and/or minimize the entry of suspected or confirmed patients with emerging infectious diseases into the country;

WHEREAS, on September 10, 2021, the President issued Proclamation No. 1218 (s.2021) further extending the period of the State of Calamity throughout the Philippines until September 12, 2022, unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant;

WHEREAS, the Department of Health (DOH), the University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC), and the University of the Philippines-National Institutes of Health (UP-NIH) biosurveillance have detected B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), and P.1 (Gamma) variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the Philippines. The DOH, UP-PGH, and UP-NIH have likewise confirmed the presence of the B.1.617 (Delta) variant that was first detected in India;

WHEREAS, the continued implementation of proactive measures and restrictions must be put in place to slow down the surge in COVID-19 cases, stop further spread of variants, buy time for the health system to cope, and to protect more lives.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, that the IATF approves the following:

A. Upon the recommendations of the sub-Technical Working Group on Data Analytics, the following shall be observed in the nationwide implementation of the Alert Level System:

1. The Department of Health, in coordination and discussion with the sTWG on Data Analytics, shall determine the Alert Level (AL) classifications of provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities for the final approval and announcement of the IATF. Final AL classifications shall not be subject to appeals.

2. Recommendations for new AL classifications will be given in time for the 15th and end of the month. However, assessment of areas will be done weekly to determine areas requiring immediate escalation.

3. AL escalations may be done at any time within the implementation period if warranted. However, de-escalations shall only be done at the end of the set implementation period.

B. The recommendations of the Technical Working Group are ratified, the specifics of which are as follows:

1. With the nationwide implementation of Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response providing for, among others, guidelines on the conduct of contact sports, IATF Resolution No. 79 (s.2020) issued on 15 October 2020, is hereby repealed insofar as the authority to the Regional IATFs to approve the same;

2. The strict observance and compliance to minimum public health standards, such as the proper wearing of face masks, is strongly reiterated. Public and private establishments are directed to ensure its implementation, including among minors, and to exclude all persons who cannot comply with the same from their respective premises. Local government units are directed to ensure proper enforcement of this directive.

C. In full support to the preparations for the Bayanihan, Bakunahan, the National Security Adviser, as the Vice Chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is directed to issue deployment guidelines for the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Chairperson and the Co-Chairperson shall be duly authorized to sign this Resolution for and on behalf of the Inter-Agency Task Force.

APPROVED during the 150th Inter-Agency Task Force Meeting, as reflected in the minutes of the meeting, held this November 25, 2021, via video conference.

(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE IIISecretary, Department of Health

(SGD.) KARLO ALEXEI B. NOGRALESSecretary, Office of the Cabinet Secretariat

ATTACHMENT

Certification

This is to certify that:

1. I am presently an Undersecretary of the Department of Health;

2. I am the Head of the Secretariat of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases created under Executive Order No. 168 (s.2014) and chaired by the Department of Health (DOH);

3. The IATF Secretariat holds office in the DOH Main Office, San Lazaro Compound, Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila;

4. I am the custodian of the records of the IATF, including the Minutes of Meetings and Resolutions;

5. In the Regular Meeting of the IATF held on 25 November 2021 via teleconference during which a quorum was present and acted throughout, IATF Resolution No. 150 was unanimously approved and adopted;

6. The foregoing resolution has been signed by Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and/or Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles upon the authority of the IATF Members;

7. The aforesaid resolution has not been altered, modified nor revoked and the same is now in full force and effect;

8. I am executing this Certification for whatever legitimate purpose this may serve.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this 25th day of November 2021, Manila.

(SGD.) ATTY. CHARADE B. MERCADO-GRANDEUndersecretary of Health