MANILA, Philippines — According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), over 2,274 households have been affected by the new granular lockdown program.
The pilot test for the new alert level system has been in effect since September 16, 2021. The system has also been extended until October 15, 2021. Currently, NCR is under Alert Level 4, the second most stringent classification after ECQ.
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos noted that no barangays were placed on lockdown. Granular lockdowns were only imposed on micro-communities that had high transmission rates. Data from the MMDA stated that over 397 households, 88 condominium units, 9 buildings, and 25 compounds were affected.
Abalos stated that the easing of restrictions, from the period starting September 16, has not led to higher COVID-19 transmissions.
“Data shows for the last two weeks, for the pilot experimentation, even if we reopened businesses, our health was not affected. We are doing well and I hope it will continue.”
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos
The government’s pandemic inter-agency task force has slowly eased restrictions. Restaurant indoor dine-in, personal services, and religious gatherings are now allowed up to 20% of the their capacity. Safety seal certifications are also being issued to allow for additional capacity.
Meanwhile, the OCTA Research Group has classified Metro Manila as moderate risk for COVID-19 transmission. The independent research group noted that the reproduction rate in NCR decreased to 0.81. Additionally, case positivity rate in NCR over the past two weeks decreased to 16%.