Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 14) — The National Capital Region will remain under Alert Level 3 until Jan. 31 despite the alarming rise in COVID-19 cases, Malacañang announced on Friday.
Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said this comes as the region’s healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) has yet to reach at least 71%, which is the minimum value for Alert Level 4.
Face-to-face classes, contact sports, amusement parks, live concerts, and casinos are prohibited in Alert Level 3 areas. Operations of select establishments and tourist attractions are also limited to 30% indoor and 50% outdoor venue capacity.
The Philippines reported an all-time high in daily COVID-19 cases on Thursday at 34,021 – pushing the nationwide tally to over 3.09 million.
NCR mayors earlier recommended to keep the Alert Level 3 status for Metro Manila beyond Jan. 15, likewise citing slight increases in the region’s HCUR and the “self-regulation” among establishments and consumers alike.
More areas placed under Alert Level 3, others under Alert Level 2
Nograles also announced more areas were placed under Alert Level 3 in addition to the 28 announced yesterday.
These are:
CAR: Baguio City, Ifugao, Mountain Province
Region 1: Dagupan City, Ilocos Sur
Region 2: City of Santiago, Cagayan
Region 3: Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Zambales
Region 4-A: Rizal, Baangas, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena city
Region 4-B: Marinduque, Romblon
Region 5: Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Naga City, Sorsogon
Region 6: Iloilo City, Iloilo Proivince, Negros Occidental, Guimaras
Region 7: Lapu-Lapu City, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental
Region 8: Ormoc City, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, Western Samar
Region 9: City of Isabela, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
Region 10: Bukidnon, Iligan City, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental
Region 11: Davao Del Sur, Davao Del Norte
CARAGA: Surigao Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte
BARMM: Lanao Del Sur
Alert Level 2 was also imposed in certain places from Jan. 16 to 31:
CAR: Apayao
Region 2: Batanes
Region 4-B: Palawan, Puerto Princesa City
Region 5: Masbate
Region 7: Siquijor
Region 9: Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay
Region 10: Camiguin, Lanao Del Norte
Region 11: Davao De Oro, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental
Region 12: North Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat
CARAGA: Dinagat Islands, Surigao Del Norte
BARMM: Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi
