AMID the clamor from the private sector to further ease quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila, the government announced the earlier de-escalation of the alert level in the region to AL 2 starting on Friday (Nov. 5)
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said late Thursday that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has decided to cut short the duration of the extended implementation of Alert Level 3 in the National Capital Region (NCR), which was supposed to last from Nov. 1 to 14, 2021.
The extension of the Alert Level 3 in NCR was initially intended to allow the government to further gauge the possible impact of the increased mobility in NCR in case the Alert Level is further downgraded.
However, amid the continuous decline in infection as well as the high rate of vaccination of individuals in the region — already over 80 percent — the IATF decided to lower the alert level.
“The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved the de-escalation of the National Capital Region to Alert Level 2,” Roque said.
“This shall take effect beginning tomorrow, November 5, 2021 until November 21, 2021,” he added.
Under IATF amended Guidelines on the Implementation of Alert Levels System for Covid-19 Response, regulated establishments under Alert Level 2 will now be allowed to operate with 50 percent venue capacity. This could be further increased if the concerned establishments has a Safety Seal Certification.
Among the regulated establishments are indoor tourist attractions; indoor entertainment venues with live performers such as karaoke bars, bars, clubs, concert halls, theaters and cinema; amusement parks and theme parks; indoor recreational activities; indoor limited face to face or in-person classes, examinations, and other education-related activities; casinos, horse racing, cock figthing and operations; in-person religious gatherings; social events; indoor dine-in service; all contact sports whether indoor or outdoor; indoor sports courts; and personal care establishments.
Roque said the IATF also decided to amend the Guidelines on the Implementation of Alert Levels System for Covid-19 Response in Pilot Areas to clarify the allowed movement of persons under varying alert levels, including NCR.
Image courtesy of Nonoy Lacza