(Photo: Unsplash)
Cover (Photo: Unsplash)

The national government has decided to retain the quarantine status of Metro Manila to level three. Read on and equip yourself with relevant information and guidelines that everyone should follow when it comes to dining, travelling, mass gathering, and more

Fearing another surge of COVID-19 cases, Malacañang has decided to retain the quarantine status of Metro Manila to level three until November 14, 2021. The level of quarantine was first imposed in September to do away with the hard lockdowns. 

In the most recent Department of Health (DOH) data last November 1, 2021, it can be seen that there are now 3,117 new cases of the virus, a huge drop compared to the record-high 26,303 cases in September. 

According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, there are nine areas in the Metro that are closely being monitored after registering a seven-day rapid growth rate since Thursday, October 28, 2021. Vergeire has yet to identify the areas.

See also: COVID-19 News: Study Finds Apple Watch Effective In Early Detection Of COVID-19 Symptoms

Tatler Asia
(Photo: Markus Winkle/Unsplash)
Above (Photo: Markus Winkle/Unsplash)

Other areas that are under the third level are:

  • Baguio City (area for special monitoring) 
  • Central Luzon
  • Calabarzon
  • Cavite
  • Laguna
  • Rizal
  • Western Visayas
  • Iloilo City
  • Central Visayas
  • Siquijor
  • Northern Mindanao
  • Lanao del Norte
  • Davao Region
  • Davao City
  • Davao del Norte

In this article, Tatler has listed the guidelines that Filipinos who reside in Level three areas must follow:

Dining

Tatler Asia
Dining outside is allowed under Level 3 quarantine classification (Photo: Dan Gold/Unsplash)
Above Dining outside is allowed under Level 3 quarantine classification (Photo: Dan Gold/Unsplash)

Nothing compares to the comfort of eating inside our very own homes, but it can sometimes bore us most especially when we find ourselves munching the same meals on the same table every day. Getting a plate of our favourite signature meals outside can break the cycle and even uplift our mood.

Under the level three quarantine, restaurants can open their doors and serve customers at 30 per cent capacity. Establishments with vaccinated staffers are provided with a Safety Seal certification from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The voluntary seal certification affirms that a restaurant is "compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the government and uses or integrates its contact tracing with StaySafe.ph."

More from Tatler: COVID-19 Anniversary: Are You Experiencing Pandemic Fatigue?

Get-Togethers

Tatler Asia
Gatherings are allowed under Level 3 (Photo: Scott Warman/Unsplash)
Above Gatherings are allowed under Level 3 (Photo: Scott Warman/Unsplash)

As the Christmas season draws near, friends and families who want to invite people into their homes may do so as long as the number of people does not surpass the 30 per cent capacity of the establishment. 

Places that promote leisure activities (like cinemas, theatres, theme parks, swimming pools, libraries, museums, and other tourist attractions) can resume their operations under level three. 

Related: 8 Christmas Activities You Can Enjoy Amidst The COVID-19 Lockdown

Interzonal Travel

Tatler Asia
Some tourist locations may open under level 3 (Photo: Pedro Monteiro/Unsplash)
Above Some tourist locations may open under level 3 (Photo: Pedro Monteiro/Unsplash)

A joint memorandum signed by Metro Manila Mayors stated that intrazonal and interzonal travels are allowed under level three "subject to reasonable restrictions based on age and ailments" as determined by local government units."

The memorandum added that minors (those aged below 18 years old) are now allowed to travel in private vehicles and public utility vehicles (PUV) such as jeepneys or trains as long as they are accompanied by an adult." If they are not with their parent or guardian, they will be called out, and of course, the appropriate process will take place," Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr said.

"This is to protect the children," the official clarified

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