The National Capital Region (NCR) will be under Alert Level 4 starting September 16 during the beginning of the pilot implementation of the alert level-based quarantine system in the region.
The shift to a new system with one alert level for the entire region until Sept. 30 will also adjust the curfew hours in Metro Manila to 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Benhur Abalos said in the Sept. 14 Palace briefing that Metro Manila mayors are prepared for the implementation.
He also clarified that the alert level system is different from granular lockdowns, as the latter may be implemented in select areas within places with alert levels.
“Pwedeng gawin dito on a city-wide, pwede kaming magkaroon ng alert level. Kunwari iba ‘yung Manila, iba ‘yung Quezon City, iba ‘yung Mandaluyong,” Abalos said.
“Our borders are very porous… Siguro mas maganda kung buong NCR level na lang ay isang alert level na lang mangyayari,” he added.
Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said in the Sept. 14 Laging Handa briefing that intrazonal and interzonal travel are still allowed under the alert level system.
“Wala ho tayong distinction kung bibiyahe tayo from one city to another dito sa Kalakhang Maynila, at wala ring problema kung lalabas ng Metro Manila,” he said.
“May pagka-luwag ‘yung ating biyahe at ang restriction ay manggagaling na lamang doon sa lokalidad ng ating pupuntahan,” he added.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered NCR police commanders to coordinate with local government units regarding the new system implementation.
Allowed activities under level 4
Based on the guidelines presented by Malacaῆang, Al fresco dining will be allowed at a maximum capacity of 30%, while indoor dining will be limited to a 10% capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only.
The 30% outdoor capacity and 10% indoor capacity for vaccinated individuals will also be applicable to in-person religious gatherings, and to personal care services such as barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons. – Report from Patrick de Jesus/AG-rir
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