In light of the rising confirmed COVID-19 cases and the detection of the new Omicron variant within Metro Manila, the Metro Manila Council has approved new restrictions to be put in place specifically for people who remain unvaccinated while the whole National Capital Region remains under Alert Level 3.
According to a statement by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Benhur Abalos, unvaccinated residents in Metro Manila are prohibited from going outside unless they are buying essential goods and services, or reporting for work. They are also not allowed to go to malls, dine in at restaurants, or visit similar establishments. They also cannot use public transportation unless procuring essential goods.
It must be noted that the restrictions are not final as each local government unit will issue separate ordinances to implement them.
Meanwhile, the guidelines for Alert Level 3 are as follows:
- Not allowed to operate:
- Face to face or in-person classes
- Contact sports
- Funfairs and kid amusement industries
- Live performance venues and karaoke clubs
- Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments
- Gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household
- Allowed to operate at 30% capacity (indoor) to 50% capacity (outdoor):
- Venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions
- Permitted venues for social events such as birthdays and weddings
- Tourist attractions such as libraries, museums, and parks
- Amusement parks or theme parks
- Recreational venues such as skating rinks and swimming pools
- Cinemas
- Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training
- In-person religious gatherings
- Licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations
- Dine-in services
- Personal care establishments
- Fitness studios, gyms, and venues for non-contact exercise and sports
- Film, music, and television production
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, however, said on Monday, January 3, that it will reassess these restrictions as more and more people are getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
(ALSO READ: DepEd Confirms Suspension of Limited Face-To-Face Classes in NCR)
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