Philippines Extends Manila Lockdown Order Until Next Month 15

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Philippine government has extended the lockdown order for high-risk areas, including the capital region Metro Manila, until May 15 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to foreign media such as CNN Philippines on the 24th, President Rodrigo Duterte extended the lockdown order (enhanced community quarantine) for Metro Manila and the central and southern parts of Luzon Island in northern Philippines, which was initially set to last until April 30, until May 15. The lockdown order for 14 high-risk areas, including Cebu City in the Visayas region of central Philippines and Davao City on Mindanao Island in the south, will also be extended until May 15. For other low-risk areas, low-intensity social distancing measures will be implemented, allowing partial resumption of public transportation and commercial activities starting May 1.

President Duterte imposed a full lockdown on Luzon Island, home to more than 57 million people, over half of the country's population, including Metro Manila, starting from March 17, and extended it once until the end of this month. The lockdown order was also expanded nationwide to central and southern Philippines. However, with around 200 new COVID-19 cases reported daily, the cumulative number of confirmed cases increased to 6,981 as of the 23rd. Additionally, 462 people have died. Notably, medical personnel such as doctors and nurses account for nearly 16% of all confirmed cases, raising concerns about a medical service gap.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.