Philippines govt mulls quarantine extension

President Rodrigo Duterte is considering extending Coronavirus quarantine measures by at least two more weeks.

Philippines.- President Rodrigo Duterte is considering extending the quarantine measures by at least two more weeks in order to ensure the spread of COVID-19 is under control, according to a government spokesperson.

Duterte announced a first wave of quarantine measures on 12 March, governing the wider Manila area. That involved the suspension of all domestic air, sea and land transport, strict social distancing rules and a ban on mass gatherings for one month from 15 March to 12 April.

Those measures were soon extended to cover the Philippines’ entire main island of Luzon. Gaming regulator PAGCOR then ordered the closure of all casinos during the quarantine.

Presidential Spokesperson, Salvador Panelo, said Duterte received advice from a range of experts that lifting the ban by mid-April may be premature.

“The President is all ears and eyes on this unfolding reality and expert opinions. He is evaluating the best option to take that will effectively ensure the success of our war against this wily and faceless global enemy. He will make his decision in due time,” Panelo told local press.

“In the meantime, we call on our countrymen to be steadfast in our commitment to take care of each other in this imminent threat to our nation’s survival,” he added.

Philippine health authorities have reported a total of 3,246 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 152 deaths as of Sunday.