Metro Manila will remain under the least restrictive Alert Level 1 along with 47 other areas across the country for the rest of the month, Malacañang announced.
This was announced by acting Presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar on Tuesday, March 15, exactly two years after the government first imposed a lockdown in Metro Manila to curb Covid-19 transmission.
After years of restrictions, the National Capital Region was downgraded to Alert Level 1, the least strict among the four risk classifications, last March 1 amid the declining number of cases there.
Aside from Metro Manila, the following areas in Luzon will also be under Alert Level 1 starting Wednesday, March 16:
- Abra
- Apayao
- Baguio City and
- Kalinga
- Dagupan City
- Ilocos Norte
- Ilocos Sur
- La Union
- Pangasinan
- Batanes
- Cagayan
- City of Santiago
- Isabela
- Quirino
- Angeles City
- Aurora
- Bataan
- Bulacan
- Nueva Ecija
- Olongapo City
- Pampanga
- Tarlac
- Zambales
- Batangas
- Cavite
- Laguna
- Lucena City
- Marinduque
- Puerto Princesa City
- Romblon
- Naga City
- Catanduanes.
The following 10 areas in the Visayas will also be under Alert Level 1:
- Aklan
- Bacolod City
- Capiz
- Guimaras
- Iloilo City
- Cebu City
- Siquijor
- Biliran
- Ormoc City
- Tacloban City.
While for Mindanao, the following areas will be under Alert Level 1:
- Zamboanga City
- Cagayan de Oro City
- Camiguin
- Davao City
- Butuan City.
Meanwhile, Andanar said that all areas that were not mentioned will be under Alert Level 2 until March 31.
Under Alert Level 1, there are no restrictions in terms of indoor and outdoor capacities. Everyone can undertake intrazonal and interzonal travel without regard to age and even comorbidities.
All establishments, persons, or activities are likewise allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at total on-site or venue seating capacity, provided these are consistent with minimum public health standards.
The IATF also earlier allowed colleges and universities in areas under Alert Level 1 to hold face-to-face classes with 100 percent of the classrooms' capacity, but will only allow fully vaccinated teachers, non-teaching personnel, and students,
Two years ago, what was supposed to be a month-long lockdown turned into a couple of years of restrictions in Metro Manila amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Many areas in the country are now under the more relaxed Alert Level 1 with wearing of face shields over face masks no longer required.