Manila eases restrictions but casinos remain closed

Although authorities have eased Covid-19 countermeasures in Metro Manila, casinos remain closed.

The Philippines.- Last week, Manila eased Covid-19 countermeasures following a recommendation from the country’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. However, casinos remained shut and there have been no announcements on a possible reopening in the short term.

Manila has moved from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). Harry Roque, the Presidential spokesperson, said the MECQ will allow higher operating capacity for some businesses but indoor services will remain closed at least for now.

Casinos in the Entertainment City zone in Metro Manila decided to close amid a rise in cases of the delta variant of Covid-19 in the first week of August. The decision was taken following the guidelines from the Philippine government and PAGCOR as the delta variant of Covid-19 spreads in The Philippines.

Resorts World Manila said then: “Leisure stays at the hotels as well as dine-in services will be suspended during the lockdown. Most of the restaurants at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Mall and hotels will offer takeaway or delivery instead, during this period.”

According to the Ministry of Health, 18,333 new Covid-19 cases were detected during the last 24 hours.