Pandemic restrictions in Metro Manila were dialed down one notch as the capital region returned to Alert Level 2 on Tuesday, February 1, the same day 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.
Metro Manila was also placed under Alert Level 2 back in November 2021. In case you've forgotten what that was like, we round up a refresher below.
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.
The Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila and in other provinces will be in effect until February 15.