Philippines: Officials to implement alert level 4 measures in Metro Manila Sept. 16-30 /update 18

Event

The government will implement alert level 4 measures in Metro Manila Sept. 16-30. The Philippines government now employs a multi-tier alert level system for applying COVID-19 restrictions in cities and municipalities in Metro Manila based on local disease activity. It consists of alert levels 1 through 5 in order of increasingly strict controls.

Under alert level 4 measures, a nightly 22:00-04:00 curfew is in place. Residents below the age of 18, above the age of 65, or individuals with health risks must remain at home. Facemasks are required in public spaces. People may exercise outdoors individually within their barangay, purok, subdivision, or village. Dining at restaurants, religious gatherings, and personal care services like beauty salons may operate outdoors at 30 percent capacity; such activities may also take place indoors but at 10 percent capacity for fully vaccinated individuals. Authorities allow all other businesses to operate at full capacity but encourage companies to deploy minimal staff on-site and implement flexible work arrangements. Government agencies can operate with 20 percent of employees on site. Indoor business and recreational venues, like conferences, tourist attractions, cinemas, and indoor sports locations are suspended. Officials also prohibit social activities like contact sports, weddings, parades, and gatherings at residences outside of an individual's immediate household, among others.

Authorities may impose localized lockdowns in local government units (LGU) with high COVID-19 activity at short notice. Increased security is likely to continue across Metro Manila. Business and transport disruptions will probably continue.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Confirm appointments. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Make allowances for likely business disruptions.