Alert Level 3: Here's what we can and (still) can’t do as some restrictions ease starting Oct. 16
A number of businesses in Metro Manila have been given the green light to resume as some restrictions will be eased once the lockdown slides to Alert Level 3 from Oct. 16 to 31.
The move was announced on Oct. 13 as recommended by Resolution No. 143-A from the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), after the area had been in Alert Level 4 from Sept. 16 to Oct. 15.
With the Alert Level 3 affecting only NCR, the rest of the country will continue to follow the "quarantine classification" system as recommended by their LGUs.
But though more businesses will be allowed to resume, operations will still be on a limited basis due to the ever-present threat of infections rising anew. Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said that cops will also monitor business operations to ensure compliance with IATF guidelines.
What’s the difference from Alert Level 4?
In Alert Level 4, persons below 18 years old and above 65 years old, those with health comorbidities, and pregnant women have limited mobility.
Meanwhile, Alert Levels 2 and 3 are more lax mobility-wise with reasonable restrictions based on age and comorbidities depending on the LGUs. Intrazonal and interzonal travel are also allowed, with the recommendation that it be less strict than when Alert Level 4 was implemented.
Alert Level 3 will also raise the capacity of indoor venues, as it was only in 20% capacity under Level 4.
In a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque broke down down the following can and can’t dos under GCQ Alert Level 3 based on IATF regulations:
What’s allowed?
- Intrazonal and Interzonal travel for citizens depending on age and comorbidity
- 30% capacity for indoor venues (for fully vaccinated)
- 50% capacity for outdoor venues (for fully vaccinated)
What are the allowed venues in operation?
- MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions)
- Social events such as birthdays, weddings, debuts, reunions, etc
- Visitor and tourist attractions
- Amusement parks
- Recreational venues
- Cinemas and movie houses
- Licensure and entrance/qualifying exams
- In-person religious gatherings
- Dine-in services
- Personal care establishments
- Fitness studios
What’s not allowed?
- Face-to-face / in-person classes
- Contact sports except those in a bubble type setup
- Venues with live voice and wind-performing instruments
- Funfairs/peryas and kid amusement industries
- Gaming establishments such as casinos, horse racing, cockfighting, and other betting shops except authorized by the IATF of the Office of the President
- Gathering in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household
- “Bawal parin po yang pagtitipon sa bahay [pag] hindi kasama sa bahay.” –Roque
