MMDA officer-in-charge and general manager Romando Artes noted that daily new cases in the region are expected to further decline to around 1,000 before February ends. Latest data showed that Metro Manila has recorded 1,271 new daily cases, he added.
“Ito po ay patuloy na bumababa. Ine-expect natin na bago matapos ang buwan na ito, bababa na po ito sa 1,000 araw-araw,” Artes said during a public briefing.
[Translation: The cases continue to decrease. We are expecting that before this month ends, the cases will decline to around 1,000 daily.]
If COVID-19 numbers in the capital region continue to improve, Artes said that they will recommend that the Inter-Agency Task Force de-escalate Metro Manila from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1.
“Ine-expect natin na soon baka mag-Alert Level 1 po tayo. Ang mga alkalde naman po ay handa para sa pagbubukas ng iba’t-ibang industriya at sektor sa Kalakhang Maynila,” he said. “Ang napagusapan ay kapag patuloy bumababa ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa Kalakhang Maynila, baka mag-request kami na ibaba na sa Alert Level 1 ang Metro Manila.”
[Translation: We are expecting that we may soon de-escalated to Alert Level 1. Our mayors are ready for the opening of various industries and sectors in Metro Manila. What we have discussed is if COVID-19 cases continue to go down in Metro Manila, we may request to be placed under Alert Level 1.]
Metro Manila and seven provinces are under Alert Level 2 from February 1 to 15.
Areas under Alert Level 1 have low case transmission and cases are decreasing.
Under such alert level, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities.
Moreover, establishments and activities are allowed to be undertaken at full capacity provided that minimum health protocols are observed. However, face-to-face classes for basic education level shall be subject to prior approval of the Office of the President.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 8) — Metro Manila mayors are ready to open more industries and sectors once restrictions are further eased in the region, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said Tuesday.
