NCR again under Alert Level 3 from Jan. 3 to 15; PH detects 10 new Omicron cases
The National Capital Region (NCR) will again be placed under Alert Level 3 from Jan. 3 to 15 as 10 new cases of the Omicron variant are detected in the country, Malacañang announced on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.
The heightened alert level in Metro Manila is in response to the significant rise of COVID-19 cases, where new infections jumped to 2,961—the highest since Nov. 1, 2021.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country will be placed under Alert Level 2, Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said.
“The epidemiological investigation on the three local cases indicates there is a high possibility of local transmission ng Omicron… In the coming days, we may see an increase in active cases,” Nograles added.
Malacañang initially announced that the Philippines will remain under Alert Level 2 until Jan. 15.
The Department of Health (DOH) also warned of a “high probability of exponential growth in COVID-19 infections amid the threat of the Omicron variant.
The DOH detected 10 new COVID-19 Omicron variant cases, including three local cases. The three local cases include two from Bicol and one from Metro Manila.
Under Alert Level 3, establishments are allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity for fully-vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity.
Interzonal and intrazonal movement is still allowed, however, restrictions may be imposed by local government units.
On the other hand, face-to-face classes for basic education are prohibited except in schools that were permitted to operate by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
