The Philippine government will maintain Alert Level 2 across the country, including Metro Manila, until the end of the year as case numbers continue to fall.
There were just 235 new cases reported on Tuesday, the lowest daily tally since 23 May 2020 and a stark contrast to the 27,887 cases recorded on 9 September 2021. However, the government has refrained from lowering the alert level below Level 2 as it looks to temporarily prevent the entry of the Omicron variant.
Under Alert Level 2, certain venues – including casinos, horse racing venues, cockfighting, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments – can operate at 50% capacity for fully vaccinated people or those aged under 18. Also able to operate at 50% are MICE venues, theme parks, tourist attractions, recreational venues, gyms, theaters, bars, clubs and more, while outdoor venues can operate at 70%.
Manila’s casinos were previously granted permission to reopen to the public at 30% capacity on 16 October when the government reduced the NCR’s alert level from Level 4 to Level 3. Casinos had been closed since 6 August, although invited VIP guests had been allowed to enter from 16 September.
The Alert Level was lowered from Level 3 to Level 2 on 5 November.