The Philippines Government has agreed to maintain the current COVID-19 alert level at Alert Level 2 until 28 February.
Despite suggestions that the alert level might be lowered due to falling cases in recent weeks, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases has instead listened to calls from the Metro Manila Council – which comprises the National Capital Region’s 17 mayors – to maintain the status quo.
Under Alert Level 2, Manila’s integrated resorts are allowed to run casino operations at 90% capacity, pending special government authorization and only to fully vaccinated guests. Indoor dining is also allowed at 80% capacity and outdoor dining at 100% capacity.
A variety of other establishments are also allowed to operate at 50% capacity for indoor spaces and 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.
Manila saw its alert level lowered to Level 2 on 1 February, having previously been placed under Alert Level 3 at the start of January in response to the Omicron outbreak.