Philippines extends coronavirus lockdown in Manila and two high-risk areas
- Capital, city of Cebu and province of Laguna account for more than 80 per cent of country’s confirmed Covid-19 cases
- All three areas will remain under ‘enhanced community quarantine’ until May 31
The Philippine government on Tuesday extended a lockdown in the capital and two other coronavirus-stricken areas until the end of May, but allowed for some modification to jump-start the economy.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Metropolitan Manila, the province of Laguna and the central city of Cebu would remain under “enhanced community quarantine” until May 31.
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It added that 751 people have died from Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Restrictions would also be modified to allow some industries and public transport to resume limited operations in a bid to boost the domestic economy, which contracted in the first quarter of the year, Roque said.
Individual travel is still only restricted to essential trips, while schools are to remain closed in the three affected areas for the time being.