Metro Manila under Alert Level 1, offices allowed full capacity operations
Metro Manila eases to Alert Level 1 starting March 1 until 15, said Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.
Following the steady decline of new COVID-19 cases, the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) decided to implement more relaxed restrictions over the capital region, Nograles said.
Over the past week, the nationwide active case numbers stayed below the 2,000 range.
Under Alert Level 1, private offices and government agencies will be allowed to operate at full capacity in compliance with national rules on vaccination requirements for on-site work.
Restrictions will also be eased on establishments and public transportation, though subjected to specific rules under their Local Government Units (LGUs).
Face masks will still be required at all times, except when eating and drinking, or participating in activities in well-ventilated venues and with proper social distancing.
Additionally, people will also be asked to present their proof of vaccination when entering indoor spaces and joining religious gatherings.
The government had been eyeing to shift the capital to Alert Level 1 last December 2021. It was delayed due to the presence of the Omicron varian which drove a record surge in infections across the country.
Aside from Metro Manila, 38 other local areas will also enter Alert Level 1 this March.
