UPDATE 3-Philippines posts record daily COVID-19 cases, approves Russian vaccine

* Philippines records 7,103 new COVID-19 infections
* Government scales back operating capacity of businesses
* Russia's Sputnik V vaccine approved for emergency use
* Moderna, J&J make inquiries about approval -FDA chief

(Adds RDIF comment on April deliveries)
By Neil Jerome Morales
MANILA, March 19 (Reuters) - The Philippines recorded 7,103
new coronavirus cases on Friday, a record daily increase in
infections, as authorities tightened coronavirus curbs in the
capital and approved Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine for
emergency use.
A new wave of cases in the Philippines, which has the second
highest number of COVID-19 infections and deaths in Southeast
Asia, is threatening hopes of a strong economic rebound after a
record contraction last year and the loss of millions of jobs.
The health ministry said there were now 648,066 confirmed
coronavirus cases and 12,900 deaths, including 13 more
fatalities on Friday.
"The ministry continues to appeal for us to stay home and
avoid going out if not necessary," it said. The previous record
was 6,958 cases on Aug. 10.
The latest outbreak is again concentrated on the congested
Manila region, and includes the more transmissible variants.
The coronavirus task force on Friday reduced the number
allowed at religious gatherings and conferences to 30% of
capacity from the previous 50% until April 4.
It also ordered cinemas, driving schools, libraries, museums
and cockfighting arenas to close.
The Philippines' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on
Friday approved the Sputnik V vaccine developed by Russia's
Gamaleya Institute.
The first deliveries of Sputnik V from Russia are expected
in April, the head of Russia's RDIF sovereign wealth fund, which
markets the shot abroad, told Reuters.
"We have great demand for Sputnik vaccines from 52 nations
where we are registered but we will prioritise the Philippines
and deliver the first volumes in April," RDIF CEO Kirill
Dmitriev said.
Sputnik V is the fourth shot to get emergency use
authorisation after vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) and
Sinovac.
Carlito Galvez, who is in charge of the Philippines' vaccine
procurement, said on Friday that the government would request
Russia to deliver around three million doses in April and May.
"The known and potential benefits of the Gamaleya Sputnik V
vaccine... outweigh the known and potential risks," FDA chief
Rolando Enrique Domingo said, adding that interim data showed
the vaccine had an efficacy of 91.6% in age groups 18 and older.
U.S. vaccine makers Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have made
inquiries about the documents needed for emergency use approval
but have yet to file applications, Domingo said.
The Philippines launched its inoculation drive on March 1
and has received delivery of 1.125 million donated doses of the
Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines. The government plans to roll out 140.5 million shots by
December, to inoculate 70 million adults as it seeks to achieve
herd immunity.

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