MANILA – Western Visayas will extend its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Alert Level 2 for the remainder of the year, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Alexi Nograles announced on Wednesday.
The recommendation was made by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and approved by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The provinces of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras have been under Alert Level 2 since the start of November while the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod shifted to the status on Nov. 15.
The keeping of Alert Level 2 in the region came amid fears of flight suspensions and heightened quarantine protocols meant to curb the Omicron variant of the virus causing COVID-19.
Under Alert Level 2, indoor dine-in services and fitness studios and gyms may operate at a 50 percent venue capacity while such done outdoors may operate at a 70 percent venue capacity.
On-site capacities will only be allowed for fully vaccinated individuals, while take-out and delivery in restaurants will be allowed in all alert levels.
The Department of Interior and Local Government also said in-person Christmas parties are allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 as long as health protocols and the 50 percent venue capacity limit are observed.
“(These are) allowed at 50 percent venue capacity, and additional 10 percent if the venue has a safety seal and the minimum public health standards such as the wearing of facemask (and) social distancing are strictly observed,” Interior undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said.
“If Christmas parties violate (protocols), then the safety seal will be revoked and the business permit of the establishment will be suspended,” Malaya added.
He added that Christmas caroling is also allowed provided that the carolers wear facemasks and will observe social distancing./PN
