Pandemic restrictions in Metro Manila were dialed down one notch as the capital region returned to Alert Level 2 on Tuesday, the same day that the country celebrates the Chinese New Year.
Alert Level 2 means children can still go outdoors for leisure activities, and industries are allowed to operate at bigger capacities based on guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 response.
Aside from Metro Manila, other areas that are under Alert Level 2 are the provinces of Batanes, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Biliran, Southern Leyte, and Basilan.
Here's what you need to know as Metro Manila goes back to Alert Level 2:
- Children can go out for leisure activities, and movements within and in and out of Metro Manila are allowed subject to possible restrictions to be imposed by local government units.
- Activities and businesses allowed under Alert Level 3 will still be allowed under Alert Level 2 with larger capacities.
- The "no vaccine, no ride policy" is lifted under Alert Level 2, which means unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals will be allowed in public transportation.
- The new protocol for travelers coming to the Philippines is now in place, taking into consideration the vaccination status of the traveler to replace the old "Green-Yellow-Red List" system.
- Heading out to the mall? Plan your visit accordingly by knowing the operating hours of major malls in Metro Manila.
With the celebration of the Chinese New Year coinciding with Metro Manila's return to Alert Level 2, here's what you need to know:
- The number coding scheme in Metro Manila is suspended from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Celebrating the Chinese New Year with your friends and family? Here's how you can stay safe from the Omicron variant, according to the DOH.
The Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila and in other provinces will be in effect until Feb. 15.