Stricter quarantine measures will take effect starting Friday in six areas, which were placed under Alert Level 3 by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF).
Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo B. Nograles said the new classification will cover Palawan, Camiguin, Davao Occidental, Dinagat Islands, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.
The said areas were previously under Alert Level 2.
“The said escalation shall take effect on Friday, January 28, 2022 until February 15, 2022,” Nograles said in a brief statement last Thursday.
Under IATF guidelines an area is placed under Alert Level 3 if its novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) case counts are high and/or increasing, and it registers a rising total bed utilization rate.
Intrazonal and interzonal travel in areas under Alert Level 3 will be allowed subject to reasonable restrictions to be imposed by local government units (LGU) based on age and comorbidities.
The following activities will be prohibited in Alert Level 3 areas: face to face or in-person classes for basic education, except those previously approved by the IATF and/or the Office of the President; Contact sports, except those conducted under a bubble-type setup as provided for under relevant guidelines adopted by the IATF, Games and Amusement Board, and Philippine Sports Commission, and approved by the LGU where such games shall be held; and Funfairs/peryas and kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides.
Other activities, which will be temporarily banned in areas under such Alert Level, 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.
Activities not included in the aforementioned list such as venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions and cinema and movie houses will remain allowed but with restricted venue capacity.
Government agencies and instrumentalities shall remain to be fully operational and shall adhere to at least 30 percent site capacity, while applying work-from-home and other flexible work arrangements.
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