(FILE) Lifesize images of carollers wearing facemasks adorn the rotonda in Tagaytay City, Cavite province, November 19, 2020, reminding the public to observe health protocols this Christmas season. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Christmas caroling will be allowed in areas under Alert Level 2, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Wednesday.
“Under Alert Level 2, caroling is allowed provided that MPHS (minimum public health standards) are followed. So it depends on the classification of the area,” DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.
Under government guidelines, areas are placed under Alert Level 2 if coronavirus transmission is low and decreasing and healthcare utilization is low, or the transmission is low but increasing, and total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rates are increasing.
Christmas caroling was not allowed in Metro Manila last year in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Metro Manila is under Alert Level 2 from November 5 to 21. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the capital region may be placed under Alert Level 1 if COVID-19 cases further decrease.
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