Restaurants seek easing of Alert Level 3 in Manila

Restaurant owners are disappointed with the extension of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila but remain optimistic as cases improve.

Resto PH president Eric Teng is requesting a shift to looser restrictions under Alert Level 2 to help businesses recover from pandemic losses.

Presidential Adviser Joey Concepcion stated on Friday that the Alert Level 3 should not extend beyond Nov. 15 and business owners are willing to accept it with hopes of moving to Alert Level 2 afterwards.

Concepcion noted a downward trend in COVID-19 cases and emphasized the need for increased business capacity due to financial hardships faced by establishments.

Under current restrictions, restaurants can serve up to 30% indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor regardless of vaccination status; under Alert Level 2, this would increase to 50% indoor capacity.