The recent surge in Covid-19 infections in Metro Manila and other parts of the country – highlighted by reports that 10 new Omicron variant cases were detected — prompted the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to place the entire region under Alert Level 3 starting next week.
In a televised announcement in PTV, Acting Presidential spokesperson Karlo B. Nograles said the new alert level for the National Capital Region (NCR) will take effect from Jan. 3 to Jan. 15, 2022, dampening earlier expectations that the alert level will go from 2 to 1.
The IATF made the decision to intensify the Alert Level in NCR on the eve of the New Year celebration after the government registered almost 3,000 new cases last Friday.
The latest Covid-19 tracker data of the Department of Health (DOH), NCR registered the most number of new Covid-19 cases in the last 14 days by the date of onset of illness with 2,645 cases.
With this new alert in place, condo living or even general living in the metro will surely be a challenging feat especially when things are already beginning to feel normal (Back in Office Arrangement, Face to Face Classes) and other general mobility and gradual opening of the economy.
With recent announcements from the government, here are the following things you need to know about level 3 and what’s to come in the next few days.
Movements
Intrazonal and interzonal movement are still allowed, however, reasonable restrictions may be imposed by the LGUs, which should not be stricter as those prescribed under higher alert levels and subject to the oversight, monitoring, and evaluation of their respective Regional IATF.
Those below 18 years of age, and those belonging to the vulnerable population, shall be allowed access to obtain essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices in accordance with existing labor laws, rules, and regulations. Individual outdoor exercises shall also be allowed for all ages regardless of comorbidities or vaccination status.
Not Allowed Activities
Meanwhile, the following activities are not allowed under Alert Level 3:
- Face-to-face classes
- Contact sports
- Funfairs (peryas)
- Live voice/ wind instrument
- Casino
Other activities which will not be allowed in areas under Alert Level 3 are venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters; Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery, and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except as may be authorized by the IATF or the Office of the President; and Gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household.
Allowed Activities with Limited Capacity
Limited (30% indoor; 50% outdoor venue capacity)
- Cinemas
- Social events
- Tourist attractions
- MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions)
- Amusement parks
- Recreational venues
- In-person religious gatherings
- Licensure exams
- Dine-in services
- Personal care services
- Fitness studios; non-contact sports
- Film, music, TV production
- Agencies and instrumentalities of the government (60% on-site capacity)
Other activities will remain allowed but with restricted venue capacity depending on the vaccination status of the participants
Quarantine, isolation protocols
The announcement likewise reiterates the current local quarantine and isolation periods and protocols as embodied under Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2021-0043 or the Omnibus Guidelines on the Minimum Public Health Standards for the Safe Reopening of Institutions, for strict compliance of all stakeholders.
These include:
- 10 days isolation of positive cases for asymptomatic, mild, and moderate cases;
- 21 days isolation of positive cases for severe and critical cases;
- 7 days quarantine for close contacts who are fully vaccinated; and
- 14 days quarantine of close contacts and travelers for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals.
Pressure on unvaxxed
To compel more people to get vaccinated, Nograles said the IATF ordered the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the National Vaccination Operation Center (NVOC) to come out with stricter policies for individuals, who remain unvaccinated against Covid-19.
Hospitals were also advised to brace for the possible surge in the number of infected children since many of them are still not vaccinated.
Nograles also reminded the public to strictly comply with the said minimum health standards to stop the spread of infection. “More than ever,” he said, “the success of the country against the challenge of this pandemic” is being “placed on the shoulders of everyone.
While the NCR gets cozy in our own homes, here are fun things you can do until restriction eases:
How to catch up with family and friends during Alert Level 3
Picture a bar
No, not the drinking joint with beer and smokes.
Rather, the battery level on your phone. Imagine if this represented your relationship with your siblings, relatives, parents, or friends. How full is the bar? In other words, have you done some bonding recently?
This is a great time to check in with people you haven’t spoken to in a while. Some fun activities would be to catch a Netflix movie together or to play an online game. These are sure to break the ice immediately!
Spring clean your room
Chances are you haven’t been able to clean your room, thanks to the whirlwind of assignments and classes. Now is the best time to do so!
Research shows that physical clutter can be representative of mental clutter. So, if you’ve been feeling a little unproductive or down in a slump, a thorough spring cleaning of your room or apartment may be beneficial. At the end of it, you’ll feel much more relaxed and comfortable to hit the goals on this list!
Divide your room into sections (ceiling to floor, bedroom to bathroom, etc.). You don’t have to clean all of it in a day, though. Instead, create a schedule and pick two sections to tidy up each day.
Decorate your space if you are working from home
You can finally achieve your #apartmentgoals after you clean up a little bit. Personalize your space by styling it up how you’ve always wanted it.
Many tiny tweaks can make an apartment homier, such as rugs, throws, pillows, and indoor plants. Candles and a change of lighting make a massive difference to the atmosphere of a home. You can even use the vertical wall space to hang little trinkets!
Start by collecting Pinterest ideas for a space in your home (the kitchen, the bedroom, a reading corner, even). IKEA, Amazon, and Primark are great places to
This lockdown has shown many of us that we have massive potential that seems to be hidden by our daily routines and social distractions. We hope these ten activities will help you make the most out of your time!
If you are thinking of moving into a new condominium, check out Vista Residences!
Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit-oriented locations, and developed business districts.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
