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MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) did not see any increase in COVID-19 cases during the first week of implementation of Alert Level 1 status in Metro Manila and 38 other areas.

“At present, we have not seen any increase in COVID-19 cases since we have implemented Alert Level 1 in several areas in the country,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a Viber message on Tuesday, March 8.

Vergeire said that it was expected that there would be increase in mobility when the several parts of the country have been placed under the lowest alert level for the virus, but the government continues to remind the public to comply with the health protocols.

“The government strictly monitors the mobility of the public with incessant reminders on adherence to minimum public health standards as well as the national vaccination drive for those eligible to get inoculated,” she added.

According to Rappler monitoring based on DOH data, COVID-19 cases stayed below 1,000 since March 2, the second day of the Alert Level 1 status.

• March 1 – 1,067
• March 2 – 866
• March 3 – 989
• March 4 – 853
• March 5 – 941
• March 6 – 870
• March 7 – 733
• March 8 – 442

Under Alert Level 1 or what the government considers as the “new normal,” establishments and public transportation are allowed to be fully operational. There are also no restrictions on the movement of people from different age groups, though this is subject to specific rules that may vary among local government units. – Rappler.com