Traffic jams back in Philippine capital as restrictions ease

Traffic jams and outdoor crowds are back in the Philippine capital and 38 other cities and provinces Tuesday after officials allowed businesses and public transport to operate at full capacity as COVID-19 cases continued to drop with more vaccinations.

Authorities placed metropolitan Manila and 38 other regions under the lowest rung of a five-step pandemic alert system from Tuesday to March 15 and lifted most health restrictions, but still required the full vaccination of residents 18 and older against the coronavirus and the wearing of face masks outdoors and in indoor establishments. 

Social distancing is no longer required in Manila and the other specified areas. All government employees have been ordered to return to their offices for work.