Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, CNN Philippines, October 18) — Mobility restrictions in Metro Manila may be downgraded further by Christmas if COVID-19 figures continue to decline in the capital region, a health expert said on Monday.
“Kung mapagpatuloy natin ito at bumaba ang hospital utilization and other metrics, baka mas mapababa pa natin (alert level). Lalo na sa Pasko, baka maka-level 2 na tayo,” Dr. Edsel Salvaña, infectious diseases specialist and a member of the Health department’s technical advisory group, said in a virtual briefing Monday.
[Translation: If we can continue this and further lower hospital utilization and other metrics, the (alert level) may be downgraded even more. Especially at Christmas, we might be placed under level 2.]
Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3 until the end of October, allowing establishments to expand their operations, with 50% outdoor venue capacity and an indoor venue capacity of 30% for fully vaccinated individuals.
READ: Cinemas, theme parks at limited capacity: What to expect under Alert Level 3
Salvaña said that while the emergence of new coronavirus variants and gatherings that may lead to superspreader events pose threats to the improving COVID-19 situation, he said he is “cautiously optimistic” that the country passed the peak.
He said that as long as people observe health protocols, coupled with the government’s accelerated vaccination efforts, Filipinos “can look forward to a happier Christmas”.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ New Day on Monday, OCTA Research fellow Guido David said people should remain on alert as many Filipinos are still unvaccinated against COVID-19.
“We’re averaging about 1,400 cases now per day in Metro Manila, which is you know, far less than almost 6,000 average during the surge but still, we should not be complacent,” David said.
Both experts attributed the downward trend to the hard lockdown in August as well as the vaccination drive.
“I think we’re almost at low risk in Metro Manila or at moderate risk. But hopefully there will be no spike in cases because you know, people are congregating in public places,” David said.
