The Philippines government announced Sunday that it will lower the COVID-19 alert level for the National Capital Region, including Metro Manila, from Level 3 to Level 2 due to a decline in case numbers.
Under Alert Level 2, a variety of establishments will be allowed to increase capacity from 30% to 50% for indoor spaces and from 50% to 70% for outdoor spaces. These include MICE establishments, venues for social events, tourist attractions, amusement parks, recreational venues, cinemas and movie houses, in-person religious gatherings, dine-in services, some face-to-face or in-person classes, fitness studios and gyms, some sporting venues, karaoke bars, concert halls and theaters.
Still unable to operate are casinos, horse racing, cockfighting, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except where given specific authorization. However, Manila’s integrated resorts were specifically authorized to run at 75%, including gaming areas, under Alert Level 3.
The new alert level will be in place from 1 February – exactly four weeks since the NCR was first placed under Alert Level 3.