Duque hints raising NCR alert level to 4 as cases surge

Health Secretary Duque raised the possibility of upgrading Metro Manila's quarantine status to Alert Level 4 due to rising COVID-19 cases and nearing moderate risk healthcare utilization rates.

The government is considering expanding criteria for determining alert levels to include health worker availability, as shortages are impacting service delivery.

IATF raised Alert Level 3 in 14 cities and provinces from January 9 to 15, reflecting steep increases in COVID-19 cases; the task force also looks at healthcare utilization rates to better reflect available workers.