Following the detection of more Omicron variant and the surge of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases after the holiday break, the National Capital Region (NCR) will implement a stricter Alert Level 3 beginning Monday, Jan. 3, to try and arrest the increasing infections.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the average daily cases went up by 783 percent this week compared to the previous week, which prompted the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to heighten the restrictions from Alert Level 2 to 3 until Jan. 15.

“Right now, we already see an increase in our daily cases, higher by 783 percent in previous week. We could not determine yet if this was caused by Omicron but let us all take safety precautions,” MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said in a radio interview over DZBB on Sunday, Jan. 2.

From a low of 200 cases in the past week, the country saw a quick rise in the number of daily infections. On Saturday, the Department of Health logged more than 3,600 new cases.

To make uniform the implementation of the Alert Level 3 guidelines in all the 16 cities and one municipality in NCR, Abalos said the Metro Manila Council (MMC) led by Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez convened around 2 p.m. Sunday.

The outcome of the meeting is yet to be revealed but Abalos bared that among the things that were in the agenda include the plans on mobility among the cities.

“The mayors were to tackle the established technical working group and the enhanced vaccination mandate and other policies for all vaccinated residents,” Abalos said.

“Also included were the established guidelines under the Alert Level 3,” he added.

Alert Level 3 is the third strictest level in the five-point quarantine restriction in the country.

Under Alert Level 3, the following were not allowed: face to face classes, contact sports, fun fares, venues with live voice and instrument performances, casino and gaming establishments, and gathering in residences not belonging to the same households.

For guidelines on travelling into and within NCR, Abalos said interzonal and intrazonal travel are allowed although these will be subject to certain limitations to be imposed by the local government units (LGUs).

“LGUs may come up with reasonable restrictions,” he said. The MMDA has already coordinated with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for other details on transportation guidelines.

For indoor activities, Abalos reminded that only 30 percent capacity are allowed in establishments.

“But if they have a safety seal, there is an additional 10 percent allowed capacity,” he noted.

The number coding will also be reimplemented starting Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the MMDA chief, while preparations are underway to find alternative routes for the planned closure of a portion of Roxas Boulevard.

Other reminders

Meanwhile, the public was reminded to avoid the three Cs or areas that are confined, crowded, and close-contact settings with face to face interaction.

Individuals 18 years old and below as well as those with co-morbidities are allowed in establishments that are for essential service.

For the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), Abalos said only 30 percent capacity is allowed in cinemas. The MMFF will last until Jan.7.

“Establishments with quarantine facilities will also be strictly monitored because the safety of the communities near them is compromised,” the MMDA chief said.