The Philippines’ capital Metro Manila has announced yet another lockdown. However, this time the stay-at-home orders only apply to unvaccinated people.
On Monday (Jan. 3), Metro Manila’s governing council announced it is requiring the unvaccinated to “regulate their mobility” at least until January 15. The restrictions may be reimposed.
Under the order, unvaccinated people must stay at home except to buy essential goods or for medical purposes. They are banned from all restaurants, malls, hotels and all other leisure establishments. They can’t take public transportation, and they’ll have to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 every two weeks—at their own expense—to be allowed at jobs. Violators will be fined up to $1,000 or jailed for up to six months, or both.
Meanwhile, fully vaccinated people may move about freely.
Some Filipinos vented opposition to the order on social media. “There are some individuals who can’t receive the vaccine [due to] certain medical conditions,” said Twitter user soniapaula. “If you still push for mandatory vaccination, this might push [people] to receive it and put their lives in danger. This is a pure act of discrimination, let people decide for themselves.”