The government agency made the call as the alert level status in Metro Manila is raised anew from the current Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3 from today to January 15, 2022 as the country recorded a continued rise in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections.

Under Alert Level 3, intrazonal and interzonal movement are still allowed, however, reasonable restrictions may be imposed by local government units.

Those below 18 years of age, and those belonging to the vulnerable population, is allowed out of their residences only to access essential goods and services, or for work in permitted industries and offices in accordance with existing labor laws, rules, and regulations.

As part of the implementation of health protocols, the DOTr, through the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and train marshals of all railway lines will make sure that proper physical distancing is being observed inside public transport vehicles and inside transport terminals.

Enforcers and marshals have also been ordered to make sure that commuters entering terminals and boarding public transport are also using face masks. Transport marshals have also been ordered to remind commuters not to talk or eat while inside the trains.

The DOTr also ordered public transport operators to ensure that their vehicles are safe and are properly disinfected.

Meanwhile, for those taking private vehicles, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has confirmed that the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program or UVVRP will remain in effect under Alert Level 3.

This means that private vehicles, regardless of the number of occupants, will not be allowed on the roads Mondays to Fridays, from 5 PM to 8 PM, based on the last digit of their plate number. Makati will continue to implement its own number coding from 7 AM to 7 PM. It exempts private vehicles with two or more passengers.