The country’s top cop on Thursday directed police officers in Metro Manila to assist in ensuring that businesses and other establishments comply with the guidelines on the prescribed operational capacity under Alert Level 3.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, made the directive after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) approved the recommendation to place Metro Manila under the more relaxed alert level from October 16 to 31.
“I have instructed all police unit commanders in Metro Manila to immediately cascade to their men on the field the guidelines for the imposition of Alert Level 3 to avoid any confusion in enforcement from October 16 to 31. Other units outside the National Capital Region (NCR) would have to make the necessary adjustments depending on the community quarantine classification,” Eleazar said in a statement.
Under the updated guidelines on Alert Level 3, several establishments can operate at 30 percent indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.
Religious gatherings, dine-in and personal care services are allowed at 30 percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated persons only and 50 percent outdoor capacity for all persons, regardless of vaccination status.
Meanwhile, face-to-face classes for basic education; contact sports except for bubble-type setup; funfairs; kid amusement industries; and venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers such as karaoke, clubs, concert halls and theaters remain prohibited.
Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting, lottery, betting shops and other gaming establishments except those approved by the government are also prohibited as well as gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household.
“Ang hindi lang magbabago ay ang mahigpit na pagbabantay ng ating kapulisan para tiyaking nasusunod ang minimum public health safety. Magpapatuloy ang ugnayan ng PNP sa mga LGUs para sa epektibong pagpapatupad ng mga guidelines (The strict measures implemented by the police to ensure that minimum public health safety is observed will not change. The PNP will continue to coordinate with LGUs for the effective implementation of the guidelines),” said Eleazar.
He also urged the public not to be complacent amid the decrease in the number of coronavirus infections in the country.
Metro Manila’s shift to Alert Level 3 came amid the drop in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections in the country’s metropolis.
The relaxation of alert level in Metro Manila will pave the way for the reopening of more businesses. (PNA)
