Along with the relaxation of the rules against COVID-19, traffic flow on the roads in the National Capital Region (NCR) has increased again, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
According to MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, heavy traffic is felt in Manila, especially during peak hours.
However, coding on vehicles, except in Makati City, will remain suspended because the operation of public vehicles is still not normal.
According to Abalos, people should be in a private vehicle to have a “personal bubble” in travel.
“Sasakay ka sa jeep, sasakay ka sa bus, sasakay ka sa MRT. Baka magkasiksikan lalo,” said Abalos.
On Saturday, Metro Manila was downgraded to Alert Level 3, in the middle of the alert level system with five levels.
This Sunday, more people were able to attend church after increasing the capacity of religious gatherings by 30 percent but only for the vaccinated.
“Masaya kasi hindi na katulad na andoon kami lagi sa gilid [ng simbahan], nakatayo lang tapos silip lang kami. Ngayon, parang maluwang sa dibdib na nandito ka,” said Maricar Maglangit who went to Baclaran Church.
Shoppers are also gradually returning to malls in Metro Manila.
Traffic gets heavy as NCR shifts to Alert Level 3
This Sunday, people also flocked to the “dolomite beach” along the Manila Baywalk.
Meanwhile, at the Metro Manila meeting last Saturday night, the mayors recommended that minors are allowed to leave the house, but if they see a doctor or dentist, buy food, they have to work and exercise.
According to San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, the meeting also recommended that minors be prohibited from entering malls or joining dine-ins.
“Because remember, those who can enter the mall must be fully vaccinated,” Zamora said.
Abalos clarified that the mayors are only giving recommendations and will still be decided by the Inter-Agency Task Force.
The OCTA Research Group warned that the public should not be complacent because although the vaccination rate is high in Metro Manila, the pandemic is not over.
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