The Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) on Wednesday said it will strictly enforce the minimum public health standards (MPHS) and boost the security plan here as more people are expected to flock to public places during the Christmas holidays.
In a statement, PSSCC head Angel Sumagaysay, through the city information office, said they have prepared an integrated security plan for the Christmas holidays.
“This means more security forces are deployed in convergence areas such as markets, churches especially during Misa de Gallo, malls, transportation terminals, and tourism sites,” he said.
The easing of movement restrictions is currently implemented in the city after it went down to Alert 2, which will be in effect from November 15 to 30 due to the continuing decrease of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.
Sumagaysay, however, still urged the Dabawenyos not to be complacent.
“The public is still advised to observe social distancing, wearing of masks, and regular hand washing. We continue implementing these protocols and concerning the venue capacity, we are aligning it with the alert levels on how many are allowed especially in the parishes in Davao City,” he said.
Alert Level 2 refers to areas where case transmission is low and decreasing, healthcare utilization is low, or case counts are low but increasing, or case counts are low and decreasing but total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate is increasing.
Under the Alert Level 2 guidelines, intrazonal and interzonal movement shall be allowed.
However, reasonable restrictions may be imposed by the local government units, which should not be stricter as those prescribed under higher alert levels and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective Regional Inter-Agency Task Force.
Some establishments or activities shall be allowed to operate at a maximum of 50-percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70-percent outdoor venue capacity, provided, that all workers/employees of these establishments are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and MPHS shall be strictly maintained.
Sumagaysay said the PSSCC is set to meet with various mall managements to discuss the “do’s and don’ts” under Alert Level 2.
“Strictly ‘no backpack, no jacket policy’ in public places such as churches [is in place]. Wearing of jackets can be allowed but subject to proper screening,” he said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
