NCR eases to Alert Level 2; establishments allowed 70% outdoor capacity

The quarantine classification in the National Capital Region (NCR) has been downgraded to Alert Level 2. The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved the lower and more relaxed quarantine classification until November 21.

Outdoor venue capacity is now at 70 percent [Photo: Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila Facebook]

Alert Level 2 means that movement within the capital will be easier, and more establishments can operate. Speaking of which, establishments are now allowed to operate at higher capacities, depending on whether their businesses will be indoors or outdoors.

The easing of Alert Level in NCR coincides with the IATF’s approval to increase the passenger capacity in Public Utility Vehicles (PUV). Since November 4, all public road-based and rail transport in Metro Manila can have a 70 percent passenger capacity.

Based on the guidelines, establishments can now have a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals. The said max capacity can also accommodate individuals below 18 years of age even if they are unvaccinated.

The IATF is also allowing establishments to have a maximum of 70 percent outdoor venue capacity regardless of vaccination status. But, workers of the said establishments are required to be fully vaccinated.

Establishments allowed to operate under Alert Level 2 are the following:

- Venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE)

- Permitted venues for social events (parties, wedding receptions, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers)

- Visitor or tourist attractions (libraries, museums, galleries, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints)

- Amusement parks or theme parks

- Recreational venues (internet cafes, billiard halls, arcades, bowling alleys, swimming pools, and similar venues)

- Cinemas and movie houses

- Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education subject to prior approval of the Office of the President

- Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training

- In-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, and funerals for Covid-19 cremains and non-Covid-19 deaths

- Licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations and authorized specialty examinations

- Dine-in services of food preparation establishments

- Personal care establishments such as barbershops, spas, salons, and other similar procedures, including home service options

- Fitness studios, gyms, and venues for individual non-contact exercise and sports

- Film, music, and television production

- Contact sports approved by the LGU

- Funfairs/peryas or kid amusement industries (playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides)

- Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences (karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters)

- Gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household

Metro Manila will be under Alert Level 2 until November 21

The IATF has also approved the recommendation to have a “sub-Technical Working Group on Data Analytics.” The main task of the said group is to “base the alert level assignments on data that is nearest to the implementation date.”

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that starting December 1, Alert Levels will be determined every 15th and 30th of the month.

“Starting December 1, 2021, alert level assignments shall be determined at every 15th and 30th of the month. Escalations, on the other hand, may be done at any time in the middle of the implementation period as warranted while de-escalations can only be done at the end of the 2-week assessment period,” Roque said.

The 17 Metro Manila mayors also approved lifting the curfew in NCR. The reasoning for the lifting of the curfew is the extended operating hours of malls within Metro Manila from the usual 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. The absence of curfew hours will give shoppers and mall employees ample time to go home.

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