The Philippines announced on Saturday a new lockdown next week for more than 24 million people in and around Manila, as hospitals in the capital struggle to absorb a surge in Covid-19 infections.
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These reinforced restrictions are imposed on the economic heart of the country - which concentrates a fifth of the population - while more contagious variants fuel an upsurge in cases.
The measure, scheduled to last a week, was announced by presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
It applies to the Manila region and four neighboring provinces, which already find themselves isolated in a "
travel bubble
" in an attempt to prevent the rise in cases from spreading to the rest of the country.
"
The virus is the enemy, not the government,
" Harry Roque insisted.
“
As we stay at home, we expect infection rates to slow down.
The government is ready to provide assistance,
”he added.
From Monday, the affected population will have to work from home, with the exception of essential workers, and public transport will be suspended.
All important gatherings will be banned, a 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew will be put in place and non-essential businesses will be closed.
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