COVID-19 Alert Level 3: Everything you need to know 

If you’ve been keeping up with the news, then you’ll know that the Philippine government has once again declared to place Metro Manila under the stricter Alert Level 3.  

Metro Manila, is once again under Alert Level 3. What a way to meet the new year

This alert status starts on January 3 and ends on January 15, 2022, and is in response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the region. Many sources are also attributing the move to this alert status as the number of cases of the COVID-19's Omicron variant have already been detected in the local setting. 

That said though, it has been a while since the Metro was under the said alert status. As such, here’s a short refresher on what you need to know about Alert Level 3. 

Alert Level 3: Activities that are prohibited 

Here is a list of businesses and establishments that are not allowed to operate under Alert Level 3. This is due to the fact that by their very nature, they can increase the likelihood of transmitting the COVID-19 virus. 

1. Face-to-face classes for basic education unless permitted by the COVID-19 Inter-agency Task Force. 
2. Gaming establishments like casinos, and activities like horse racing, and cock fighting. Lottery outlets and other forms of betting shops are also prohibited. 
3. Contact sports, unless these are held in a bubble-type setup. 
4. Fairs, playrooms, commercial playgrounds, etc. 
5. Gathering in a house by persons that do not belong in the same household.  
6. Karaoke bars, concert halls, theaters, or other venues that host vocal performances or wind instrument performances. 

Alert Level 3: Travel and movement 

Under the said alert status, interzonal and intrazonal travel is still allowed. This however depends on the rules and restrictions being imposed by particular Local Government Units. Some might have stricter requirements, and some might not. 

Outdoor exercises will also be permitted for all ages, even if one is yet to get vaccinated for COVID-19.  

Furthermore, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has declared that all rail lines in Metro Manila will keep operating at 70 percent capacity. The said agency will however, conduct random antigen testing on its consenting and volunteering passengers. After the test, passengers can continue travelling and they will then receive the result of their test via text messaging. The said agency also announced that it will strictly enforce health protocols.

Facemasks are a must if you go out in public

For other forms of travel, the DOTr has likewise ordered strict compliance with health protocols. This entails regular disinfection of public vehicles, the donning of facemasks, and a prohibition of talking and eating while inside public vehicles.

Alert Level 3: Allowed activities 

Under Alert Level 3, these establishments are allowed to operate in a 30 percent capacity if the setting is indoor, or at 50 percent capacity if the venue is outdoor. However, only fully vaccinated people will be allowed in these establishments. 

As a side note, most of the permitted commercial establishments mentioned below are still subject to the protocols that will be issued by the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Health. 

1. Theme parks and amusement parks. 
2. Venues for weddings, wedding receptions, family reunions, parties, etc. 
3. Venues for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, etc. 
4. Cinemas and movie houses. 
5. Limited in-person classes for higher education and technical/vocational courses. 
6. Religious gatherings. Also permitted are wakes, funerals, and the like for those who didn’t pass away due to COVID-19. 
7. Dine-in restaurants and venues. 
8. Barbershops, hair salons, nail spas, and the like. 
9. Gyms, venues for non-contact sports, fitness studios, etc.  
10. Museums, galleries, exhibits, parks, scenic tourist locations, plazas, public gardens, and other similar attractions. 

Of note, MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos announced that Metro Manila mayors have agreed that unvaccinated individuals are not allowed to go out of their homes.

If you're still unvaccinated, then better get a move on

Unvaxxed individuals can only go out to get or buy essential goods. This also means that they are not allowed in restaurants, malls, and public transportation. Abalos did mention that unvaxxed individuals can exercise outdoors but only in their certain barangays or puroks.

To keep on top of transport-related news, keep it here on Philkotse. Stay safe out there.