The government's pandemic task force has decided to relax some of the guidelines on the pilot implementation of Alert Levels System for COVID-19 (coronavirus) Response in the National Capital Region (NCR), allowing more people to go out and more activities to take place in the pilot area.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the announcement after Metro Manila entered week 2 of the new system.
In his press briefing, Roque said people originally required to remain inside their residences are now allowed to go out for individual outdoor exercises:
- Below 18 years old
- Above 65 years old
- Persons with health risks
- Pregnant women
According to Roque, the said group of people will be allowed to exercise outdoors but will be limited within the general area of their residence.
The Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has also relaxed restrictions on necrological services.
The IATF now allows gatherings for necrological services, wakes, inurnment, and funerals for those who died of causes other than COVID-19 and for the cremains of COVID-19 deceased. It shall still be limited to immediate family members.
The pilot implementation of the new Alert Levels System in Metro Manila will last until September 30, 2021.
However, should the pilot be extended, the following will not be allowed starting October 1:
- All contact sports whether indoor or outdoor, except those under a bubble-type set up and approved by the local government unit where the games are held
- Personal care establishments offering aesthetic/cosmetic services or procedures, make-up services, spas, reflexology, aesthetics, wellness, and holistic services, and other similar procedures
On the other hand, fully vaccinated individuals over the age of 65 will be allowed individual outdoor exercises beyond the general area of their respective residences.
Meanwhile, for areas under granular lockdown, the delivery of food and essential items will be allowed provided that they can only be picked up and/or unloaded at designated collection points. Before this, the said items can only be unloaded and not picked up.