The Philippine government has confirmed that the alert level status of Metro Manila will be downgraded from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 from 16 to 31 October, with casinos among the businesses allowed to reopen.
According to details provided under the new alert level system, casinos, horse racing and cockfighting will be allowed at 30% capacity from Saturday, as will the operation of lottery and betting shops plus other gaming establishments.
Also allowed to reopen at the same 30% capacity will be MICE venues, restaurants, internet cafes and amusement arcades, indoor tourist attractions such as shows and exhibits and indoor sports venues.
Theme parks, cinemas and venues with live performances such as karaoke bars will not yet be allowed to reopen.
Casinos and other gaming venues have been closed since early August when the National Capital Region, including Metro Manila, was placed under the strictest Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) for an initial two-week period.
The new alert level system was implemented in mid-September, allowing for eased restrictions across large areas but with granular lockdowns put in place for towns, streets or even individual buildings of concern.
The Philippines announced 7,181 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, its lowest daily tally since 4 August.
