Manila limits mobility of unvaccinated people amid rising omicron cases

Bangkok, Jan 3 (EFE).- The authorities of Metropolitan Manila in the Philippines announced Monday new measures that include limiting the mobility of people not vaccinated against Covid-19 amid an increase in infections caused by the new omicron variant.

The authorities in the Philippine capital said in a statement that the alarm had been raised to level 3 – out of a maximum of 5 – and that unvaccinated people would not be able to go out on the streets, except to buy essential goods, visit the hospital or to work.

In addition, unvaccinated workers will have to undergo a PCR test every two weeks that they themselves must pay for.

Statement said these measures were being taken in view of public health concerns, so as to keep coronavirus cases in check.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority head Benhur Abalos said the restrictions on those not vaccinated would remain in force until the alert level fell to 2 in the capital area.

Level 3 also involves suspension of classes and contact sports, the closure of casinos and fairs, and the limitation of seating capacity in restaurants and other premises to between 30 and 50 percent.

The Philippines, which suffered two severe waves of Covid-19 last April and September, has recorded a total of 2.84 million infections, including more than 51,000 deaths, since the start of the pandemic.

According to the scientific online publication Our World in Data, more than 43 percent of the population in the country has received both doses of the coronavirus vaccine. EFE

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