KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — The Philippines will ease a strict lockdown in Manila from June 1, despite reporting over 500 new Covid-19 cases yesterday.
Straits Times reported that Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte announced the lift in lockdown — which was instituted in the capital city since March 16 — to revive the country’s economic activities.
This announcement came after the country’s health ministry officials reported the largest number of new Covid-19 cases in a single day since the outbreak began in the Philippines.
Yesterday, the country recorded 539 new Covid-19 cases with 17 deaths. A total of 15,588 Covid-19 cases and 921 casualties have been reported thus far; Manila contributed the most to the total Covid-19 cases and deaths in the Philippines.
Economic sectors, workplaces, and some transportation systems will be opened up in Manila, Gatherings consisting of 10 people are also allowed.
However, schools, universities, tourism sites, and dine-in restaurants will remain closed.
“The country is still under lockdown,” said President Duterte. Some measures will still be in practice to prevent the country from a second wave of Covid-19, he said.
Manila imposed a lockdown since March 16, and was affected badly by the virus, particularly workers while the state is suffering from an economic crash.
Experts warned that easing movement restrictions would result in much dangerous effects as there was no distinct drop in the newly reported cases. They reportedly classified this scenario as “premature”.
