Metro Manila, 38 other areas move to Alert Level 1

Metro Manila and 38 other areas in the Philippines have transitioned to Alert Level 1, considered the "new normal" for COVID-19 restrictions, as infections and hospital admissions have decreased.

This deescalation marks a significant development after almost two years of restrictive measures and long lockdowns, with the Philippines being among the hardest-hit nations in Southeast Asia.

Under Alert Level 1, establishments and public transportation can operate at full capacity.

Health officials note that the recent surge, fueled by the Omicron variant, saw the highest number of new infections but also the lowest number of severe and critical cases due to increased vaccination and the variant's lesser severity.

Despite the shift, the public is urged to remain vigilant as the virus is still present and has yet to become endemic in the country.

The government can reimpose stricter restrictions if cases resurge or hospitals become strained.