Philippines Implements Strict Measures Against Coronavirus Outbreak

The Philippines has implemented strict measures in response to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, with Metro Manila placed under a month-long community quarantine from March 15 to April 14.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Filipinos have been cooperative during the first day of implementation of the community quarantine.

Forty-one local government units and two regions have decided to follow the example of Metro Manila by placing themselves under community quarantine in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel are manning checkpoints as part of a 'whole-of-government approach' to enforce the measures.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that the World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned that the number of Covid-19 cases in the Philippines might reach 75,000 if drastic measures are not taken.

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Grace Poe have demanded clear guidelines for the implementation of the community quarantine measures in Metro Manila as the number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases continues to increase.