Metro Manila extends Covid-19 restrictions by one week

Metro Manila has extended Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) measures until April 11 following a rise in Covid-19 cases.

The Philippines.- The government has announced the extension of existing Covid-19 countermeasures in Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal until April 11.

The decision comes after the Philippines recorded 36,755 new cases of Covid-19 in the first three days of April. Friday saw the highest single-day tally on record with 15,310 new cases.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said measures could be eased next week to a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine due to a lack of funding to continue support for low-income families.

The country aims to reduce the current rate of infections from 12,000 a day to around 4,000 a day

Previously, the government announced that measures including a ban on non-essential travel were to remain in place in Metro Manila and four other provinces until April 4.

Manila casinos extend closure

All gaming operations will remain closed during the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine. As such Manila’s four IRs and PAGCOR-operated casinos will remain closed for at least one more week.

Casinos were allowed to resume operations at 30 per cent capacity last August after restrictions were eased to General Community Quarantine (GCQ).