Malacañang decided to put the National Capital Region (NCR) under Alert Level 2 starting today, Friday, November 5.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the move to place Metro Manila under Alert Level 2. According to Resolution No. 147 from the IATF,  the alert level will stay in place until November 21.

As per guidelines, Alert level 2 allows the majority of business establishments and services to operate with a maximum indoor capacity of 50 percent and outdoor capacity of 70 percent. This is for vaccinated individuals and minors (18 below) whether they are vaccinated or not.

The following are allowed under alert level 2:

• Venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE)
• Permitted venues for social events (parties, wedding receptions, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers)
• Visitor or tourist attractions (libraries, museums, galleries, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints)
• Amusement parks or theme parks
• Recreational venues (internet cafes, billiard halls, arcades, bowling alleys, swimming pools, and similar venues)
• Cinemas and movie houses
• Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education subject to prior approval of the Office of the President
• Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training
• In-person religious gatherings; gatherings for necrological services, wakes, and funerals for COVID-19 cremains and non-COVID-19 deaths
• Licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations and authorized specialty examinations
• Dine-in services of food preparation establishments
• Personal care establishments such as barbershops, spas, salons, and other similar procedures, including home service options
• Fitness studios, gyms, and venues for individual non-contact exercise and sports
• Film, music, and television production
• Contact sports approved by the LGU
• Funfairs/peryas or kid amusement industries (playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides)
• Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences (karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters)
• Gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household

However, casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments are still prohibited in NCR despite being under alert level 2. So, stay away from them, unless they are specifically authorized by the IATF or the Office of the President as an exemption to the rule.