Philippines to remain under Alert Level 2 until Jan. 15, 2022

The Philippines will remain under Alert Level 2 until January 15, 2022 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles announced on Thursday.

Under Alert Level 2 — the second lowest in the new alert level system — certain establishments and activities are allowed at 50% capacity indoors for fully vaccinated adults (and minors, even if unvaccinated) and 70% capacity outdoors.

Nograles made the announcement days after the Department of Health reported that the National Capital Region has recorded an increase in COVID-19 cases and in positivity rate.

Independent monitoring group OCTA Research earlier said the increase in NCR's daily positivity rate could be more than just "a holiday uptick."

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has expressed his preference for the Philippines to remain under Alert Level 2.

Nograles made the announcement a day after he said that the alert level in areas in the country can be modified anytime as needed amid Omicron's threat.

The Philippines has so far recorded four cases of Omicron, all of them imported. --KBK, GMA News