FINEX welcomes NCR shift to Alert Level 3

The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) on Tuesday expressed support for the government’s move to upgrade the quarantine level in the National Capital Region (NCR) following the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases.

“We support the New Year’s Eve announcement made by the government placing Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 starting 3 January until 15 January 2022,” FINEX said in a statement.

“The swift response was necessary in view of DOH (Department of Health) data regarding the significant increase in the number of new daily confirmed COVID-19 cases,” it said.

The government earlier placed Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 from January 3 and will last until January 15.

“The increase in new daily confirmed cases from Christmas Eve (310 cases) to New Year’s Eve (2,961) is nearly tenfold and the government had to take action to try to control the situation,” FINEX said.

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments will be allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

Face-to-face classes, contact sports, funfairs/perya, and casinos are among the activities and establishments that are prohibited under Alert Level 3.

Work at government offices is limited to 60% of their onsite capacity.

“Granted that this is a setback given that Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 2 just last November 2021, most establishments can still continue operations although at lower capacities under Alert level 3,” the group said.

“We urge not just these establishments but everyone to strictly adhere to protocols that have been established to slow down transmission,” it added.

The Philippines' positivity rate rose to 20.7% with 18,587 total conducted tests. This is much higher than the World Health Organization standard of less than 5% positivity rate. If the rate is 5% or higher, it means there is a high transmission rate of the virus.

“As the government monitors the number of cases, we strongly urge our countrymen to get themselves vaccinated under the ongoing vaccination efforts by the public and private sectors,” FINEX said.

“We also urge fully vaccinated adults to take their booster shots following the recommended timing by the FDA.

In the meanwhile, prudence dictates that we strengthen our health care system to prepare for potential future surges,” it said. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA News