Metro Manila back to Alert Level 3 from Jan 3
Metro Manila is transitioning back to Alert Level 3 from January 3 to January 15, 2022, according to an announcement by the Malacañang Palace.
The increased alert level is implemented due to the growing cases of COVID-19 and the emergence of the Omicron variant in the Philippines.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said that “the epidemiological investigation on the three local cases indicate there is high possibility of local transmission ng Omicron.”
He added that an “increase in active cases” is expected to come over the next few days.
Activities determined to be “high-risk for transmission” — such as face-to-face classes, contact sports, amusement parks, concert halls or karaoke bars, betting shops, and gatherings — will not be allowed to continue while under the new alert level.
Meanwhile, cinemas and other businesses will be allowed to operate at only 30% indoor venue capacity for fully-vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity.
Government offices will continue to be fully operational under Alert Level 3, with at least 30% of its employees working on-site.
The Palace initially decided to continue putting the capital under Alert Level 2 in the new year. However, the 2,961 new cases that were detected on December 31 prompted the move to a higher restriction.
