Cebu City's Oplan Kalayaan allows both vaxxed, unvaxxed to enter shops

Cebu further eased COVID-19 restrictions in the city as allowed both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to enter business establishments.

According to Alan Domingo’s report on "24 Oras", Cebu Mayor Michael Rama released Executive Order 163 or “Oplan Kalayaan” which allowed individuals both vaccinated or unvaccinated against COVID-19 to enter malls and other establishments.

The curfew has also been lifted, except for minors.

“Kalayaan kasama ang nagkakaisang responsibilidad (Freedom comes with unified responsibility),” Rama said.

Meanwhile, the local government urged residents to continue following minimum health protocols including wearing of facemasks and observing social distancing.

Cebu City reported at least 58 new cases bringing the city’s total tally to 55,527, as of February 24.

The city’s active infections stood at 950, while there were 53,057 recoveries and 1,520 deaths.

GMA News sought the reaction of the Malacañang and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases but have yet to respond.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Metro Manila can now be placed under Alert Level 1 based on the data. However, it still has to wait for President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement.

“Monday ang final, at maaring ang Pangulo ang mag-announce kung approve ba niya o hindi,” Año said.

(Monday is the final date of announcement, and the President can announce whether he approves it or not.)

Metro Manila mayors earlier agreed to recommend the de-escalation of the region's status to Alert Level 1 from Alert Level 2 starting March 1, 2022.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards. —Richa Noriega/NB, GMA News