The Philippines will lift most Covid-19 restrictions in the capital Manila next month, President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman said Sunday, after a sharp drop in infections and a rising number of people vaccinated.
It comes weeks after the country reopened its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in two years and as campaigning for the May 9 national elections cranks up.
Businesses, government agencies and public transport will be allowed to operate at full capacity when the metropolis of 13 million people is placed on the lowest alert level on March 1, said Duterte spokesman Karlo Nograles, which he previously described as the “new normal”.
Masks will still have to be worn in public, but will no longer be required during sport or exercise under the new rules, which also apply to another 38 areas of the country.
Temperature checks for entering establishments will not be necessary and contact tracing efforts all but scrapped.
Cases have averaged 1,421 in the past week, compared with a peak of 39,004 on January 15 when the highly contagious Omicron strain ripped through the country.
After lengthy lockdowns which devastated the economy and threw millions out of work, the relaxation will help ease the financial misery for many Filipinos.
ALSO READ:
The vaccination rate in Manila has reached “100 per cent”, a government official said recently, but the rate is much lower in other parts of the country.
The virus has infected more than 3.6 million people and killed more than 56,000, according to government data.
Gaza Now's Arabic channel has more than 300,000 followers on social media channel X, and a large following on Telegram
The iftar gathering served as a platform for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, socialise, and rejoice in the celebration
The monk was charged for comments made at a press conference held in March 2016.
The facility will provide greater access to residents from Liwa, Mirfa, Gayathi, Ruwais, Tarif from Western Region
High taxes, rising prices and rents, and fewer opportunities in those countries are prompting many to return to the Emirates, say experts
The UAE already has a 10-year Golden Visa programme for investors, entrepreneurs, property buyers and outstanding students since 2019
The anniversary coincides with the UAE’s decision to extend the ‘Year of Sustainability’